UPDATES on a campaign to save Silsden Town Hall from closure will be given at a public meeting this week.

A battle to protect the Kirkgate premises was launched after cash-strapped Bradford Council announced plans to hive-off the running of seven halls across the district to community groups.

City Hall bosses warned that if no-one came forward, the buildings would be closed.

During the public consultation period, more than 2,000 people signed a petition opposing the axing of the Silsden building and dozens of forms against the move were submitted to the council.

The campaign had been instigated by the Friends of Silsden Town Hall at a packed public meeting at the start of this year.

Friends chairman, Ray Colling, said this week it was important to maintain the momentum.

"The whole community is concerned about what will happen to the hall after 134 years of service to the town," he added.

"As Bradford wishes to offload the hall under its austerity programme, we are seeking to manage it as a community asset.

"But members of the public have a right to know exactly what is happening and why they should offer their support.

"There is a huge amount of goodwill to the building as a vibrant community centre and we must campaign to keep it."

Leading figures from the Friends met recently with the council for discussions.

And at this Thursday's (Dec 7) public meeting, in the town hall ballroom at 7pm, they will outline their proposals for taking on the running of the building from next April.

Campaigners say the premises play a vital part in community life and host a huge range of events, activities and groups.

Last month, the hall was packed for a celebration marking the launch of a new stage.

The Friends successfully applied for a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the stage and new audio equipment.

Silsden Community Productions has just used the facility for the first time when it presented the pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which ended on Saturday.