COMMUNITY halls in Oakworth, Silsden, Denholme and Harden could close as part of Bradford Council's £82 million budget cuts, it has been revealed.

Council chiefs say they aim to hand over ownership of the buildings to community groups.

But the authority's leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, has given a stark warning that if no-one comes forward, "they will close".

Seven premises across the district are under threat, including Holden Hall at Oakworth, the Mechanics' Institute in Denholme, Silsden Town Hall and Harden Memorial Hall.

But Bingley Rural councillor, Mike Ellis, said moves to transfer or sell-off Harden's building could prove complicated.

He claims the council only acts as trustee for the premises.

"It was given to the people of Harden as a memorial hall," he added.

"It isn't a case of saying 'nobody is prepared to take it on, therefore we will put it on the list of premises and buildings to be disposed of'. They just can't do that."

Cllr Hinchcliffe said the authority had a policy of encouraging asset transfers of council buildings to communities where possible.

And she acknowledged that the community halls had been used by various groups "for many years".

Earlier this week she announced that the council would have to make £82m in cuts over the next two years, with libraries and care for the elderly and disabled among other services due to feel the impact.