Campaigners for Yeadon Town Hall say community groups will be out of pocket if cash claims are refused by city council chiefs.

The sudden closure of the hall last December because of faulty wiring forced many organisations to cancel events.

Concerns for their financial welfare have been raised after Leeds City Council refused a bid for compensation by Rawdon Amateurs Operatic Society.

A petition of more than 1,000 signatures has now been handed to Leeds Council by members of the Yeadon Town Hall users' committee, calling for repairs to begin immediately.

Richard Hughes-Rowland, chairman of the committee, said: "The months during which Yeadon Town Hall has been closed have been traumatic for the many operatic and dramatic societies used to staging annual shows and concerts.

"The closure of the town hall for three-quarters of a year has had a serious effect on the life of Yeadon itself."

He told a full meeting of the Council that despite its support in finding new venues for events, some had to be cancelled. "Some societies have lost as much as £12,000 because of cancellations," he said.

A council spokesman said claims and the petition would be considered by the necessary committee.

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