A COMMUNITY group is hoping to secure the future of an art gallery by applying to take over the building.

The Thornton and Allerton Community Association has run South Square Gallery since 1982, and the group is now in the early stages of taking ownership of the buildings it is based in.

The row of former cottages in the centre of Thornton is owned by Bradford Council, with the group paying a peppercorn rent in return for maintaining the building.

But in recent years looming council budget cuts have raised the possibility of rent hikes, which the organisation say could lead to groups vacating or the gallery shutting down altogether.

They are now looking at starting a community asset transfer, which would allow them to take on the lease of the building from the council, giving them more control and independence. And they also hope the move cold see the building expand into an even bigger attraction for Thornton, famous as being the birthplace of the Bronte sisters.

A meeting has been arranged for early next month for anyone who wants to get involved in South Square.

The main gallery features varied exhibitions, with the most recent ranging from art looking at the life of the Brontes, artistic expressions of the gender pay gap and the current exhibition of neon nude images by artist Romily Alice.

The centre also features artist studios, craft shops, a vegetarian cafe and the Thornton Antiquarian Society’s archives.

A spokesman for the South Square team said: “Rather than curse the dark, we have been working tirelessly over the past year to provide a Plan B.

“Community ownership will also open up new funding and revenue streams that could see South Square grow and develop to become a greater resource for Thornton and Bradford than could have previously been imagined.

“It is now time for South Square to enter a new phase in its life and fulfil its potential as a centre for community-led regeneration of the area.”

Councillor Richard Dunbar (Lab, Thornton), said: “As local councillors we are 100 per cent behind this. We see the huge value South Square plays, not only in Thornton, but in the whole district. It makes complete sense for this to happen.”

Alice Withers, from South Square, said: “We need people who can come forward to help with our bid, and the meeting will also allow people who haven’t been here to see what is on offer.”

The meeting will be held on Saturday March 11 from 11am to 3pm, and allow people to find out what they can do to help the running of South Square.