A FRIENDS group is being formed to encourage greater use of the recently-refurbished Silsden Town Hall.

District councillor Andrew Mallinson has already recruited several user groups to the fledgling support group.

He wants members of other groups, along with interested residents, to join efforts to make full use of the building following last year’s £300,000-plus renovation.

Bradford Council funded improvements at the historic building in Kirkgate including disabled access, a lift and new toilets.

Silsden Library moved into the ground floor of the building from nearby Wesley Place, and a performance space was created on the upper floor.

Coun Mallinson, who spearheaded the refurbishment project, said interest in the Friends group had been expressed by Silsden History Society, Silsden Community Productions, the Elizabeth Phillips dance school and library staff.

He said: “This is not to take ownership of the Town Hall, but is purely to enhance the building’s use by finding ways of marketing it.

“The hall is heavily used in the evenings, but at weekends and in the daytime there’s plenty of scope for expansion.

“It’s a superb venue for lots of things. Ideas have been put forward such as wedding receptions and hot-desking for businesses.”

Coun Mallinson said a Friends group would build on the “excellent” First World War weekend, organised by local groups, which attracted many people to the Town Hall.

Anyone wishing to join the Friends should contactCoun Mallinson on 07971 74785.x