SILSDEN’s derelict former library and council office are to be sold off by Bradford Council.

The two adjacent buildings, at the junction of Wesley Place and Bolton Road, will be auctioned separately on April 19.

No guide prices have been issued by property vendors Pugh for the Leeds auction, but it is believed the council hopes to raise several hundred thousand pounds.

The buildings were originally due to go on the market in 2013 to raise cash to pay the £300,000-plus costs of renovating nearby Silsden Town Hall.

Following the renovation, Silsden’s council-run library was moved from its long-time home in Wesley Place to the town hall.

Silsden Town Council submitted a bid in 2013 to buy the Wesley Place buildings for £1 and turn them into a community centre.

It is understood that in recent months representatives from local community groups have been working on a new plan to take over the buildings.

News of the auction attracted contrasting comments from two councillors representing Craven ward on Bradford Council, Andrew Mallinson and Adrian Naylor.

Cllr Mallinson said the buildings should have gone on sale two years ago but marketing was delayed due to “meddling” by local people wanting the buildings to be handed over to the community for free.

He added: “Either building would need refurbishment, then there are ongoing costs. Other places like the town hall and churches offer rooms to the public.

“Due to the delays, there has been some vandalism, which needed more taxpayers’ money to repair. I look forward to the sale going ahead as soon as possible.”

Cllr Mallinson suggested the Wesley Place office could become a house and the former library would be suitable for business purposes.

Cllr Naylor, who is also a town councillor, queried whether Bradford Council would give planning permission for change of use of either building due to their proximity to the war memorial and being in a conservation area.

He said he had tried, without success, to start negotiations with Bradford regarding turning the buildings into a community centre.

Cllr Naylor added: “Wesley Place is on a bus route and next to a car park. Bradford is trying to impose 1,200 houses in Silsden, yet it is reducing the number of community assets.”