A group campaigning against the closure of an art gallery has collected more than 5,000 signatures in opposition to the proposals.

Calderdale Council earmarked the Smith Art Gallery, in Ridings Park, Brighouse, for closure as part of its best value review as the £17,000 annual running cost was deemed too much.

Anxious campaigners have been waiting for a decision from the Council, but have now been told it is likely to be November or even December before they learn of the gallery's fate.

Peter Davies, spokesman for The Friends of Ridings Art Gallery, said: "The standard of co-operation from the Council has been atrocious, it should have been much more open with us," he said.

"It came out at a recent meeting that the Council had known about this for 18 months, but we only found out in July when the Brighouse Art Circle tried to book its next exhibition and was told it couldn't. It is a model art gallery - the finest in West Yorkshire."

Mr Davies said Brighouse Civic Society had applied to get the building and the war memorial in Ridings Park listed as ancient monuments.

"We are also concerned about the park itself," he said. "If it goes, it will be the final nail in the coffin for Brighouse. There will be far more questions asked if the Council does decide to close it, but we are hoping common sense will prevail and it will remain open."

The group's petition is due to be handed to the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Chris O'Connor, at the next Council meeting.

A Council spokesman said councillors needed more time to consider all the options. Councillor Olwen Jennings, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Services, said: "This is an issue that is close to people's hearts. It's about how we display Calderdale's cultural heritage and we have to give it full and proper consideration."

Councillor Colin Stout (Ind, Brighouse) said: "There is no covenant in the deeds to say it must be kept as an art gallery or library so technically the Council could sell it."

A meeting will be held on Thursday, November 22, to discuss the gallery's options.