Calderdale Council may work in partnership with a lobby group to safeguard the future of a Brighouse art gallery.

No decision has yet been made by the Council on the future of the Smith Art Gallery in Rydings Park. The gallery is one of two buildings earmarked for closure by the Council, which is carrying out a best value review on its museums and galleries. The other is Heptonstall Museum near Hebden Bridge.

At a public meeting at the gallery, in Halifax Road, concerned residents and councillors discussed the future of the building with members of The Friends of The Rydings group - set up to oppose the proposed closure.

Councillor Colin Stout (Ind, Brig), who attended the event, said: "The meeting was successful and was attended by 60 or so people.

"People were asked to pay a fee to join the Friends group, in return for which they will get discount tickets for events put on by the group.

"The money paid will go towards the running of a trust which they eventually hope to set up, and on publicity for the gallery."

Coun Stout said most people at the meeting had signed up to become members.

A further meeting was held on Friday between the group and Council officers to look at a partnership between the group and the Council. "The decision on the gallery will now go to the Community Services Best Value Review meeting on January 31," said Councillor Stout. "It is hoped that the closure threat will be quashed and the recommendation will be to keep it open."

A recommendation by Community Services will go to the Council's Cabinet for discussion on February 4.

In August, the Council announced the £17,000 annual running costs of the building were too high. But as soon as the plans were made public, a backlash against the closure of the 100-year-old building ensued. A petition of 6,000 names was collected in opposition to the gallery's closure.