Efforts to save Ilkley’s Manor House Museum and Art Gallery are being stepped up with a petition calling on Bradford Council to spare the services.

With just three weeks remaining until Bradford Council meets to finalise cost-cutting budgets for the next two years, supporters of the Manor House are taking to the streets with a petition on Saturday.

They want to show the strength of feeling in the community for keeping the Manor House open, as a community and arts venue, local heritage centre, visitor attraction and educational asset for local schools.

As part of money-saving cutbacks, Bradford Council wants to transfer the Manor House to community management as early as April.

But no organisation has come forward to take over, and supporters fear it is unrealistic to find an alternative management system in time – resulting in the museum being mothballed.

Although established support group the Friends of the Manor House has been involved in talks over the museum’s future, it is unable to take on full responsibility for management itself.

The Council’s ruling Executive is due to study public consultation feedback at its meeting on Tuesday. The Executive is to present its final budget proposals to the full council on February 20.

A further meeting between local organisations and Bradford Council is due to take place today.