ILKLEY Civic Society is behind a bid to get four key inter-related buildings in the town protected as assets of community value.

The nomination for the Town Hall, Library, King’s Hall and Winter Garden states that they “are at the centre of Ilkley life and vital to its cultural and commercial wellbeing,” according to society chairman Helen Kidman, in the application.

A decision is expected to be taken at a meeting of Keighley Area Committee in the next month.

Mrs Kidman continues: “We wish to see the buildings continuing in public ownership to offer the current full range of services. If, following reorganisation, Bradford Metropolitan District Council don’t need offices in the town hall alternative activities might be housed.

“This could include the provision of meeting rooms for community organisations, more space for art exhibitions and office facilities for community interest groups.”