Protesters fighting to save Yeadon Town Hall say they have won an assurance that it will reopen by next September.

Leeds City Council closed the town hall on Tuesday, December 15, because the existing electrical system was too dangerous.

Twelve members of Yeadon Town Hall Users' Group this week met Councillor Bernard Atha, chairman of Leeds City Council's cultural services committee, to discuss the situation which caused chaos for a number of groups.

Coun Atha explained why the hall had to be closed and said the estimated cost of repairs, which included complete rewiring, would be in the region of £220,000.

He told them electricians who had inspected the Town Hall told the Council the hall was in a dangerous condition. He added: "As you know we are concerned about the safety of the public and we have been told Yeadon Town Hall needs a considerable amount of work carried out before it can be re-opened for public use."

Jean Shaw, an official of Yeadon Charities Association expressed concerns that there could be a delay with the repair work being completed on time. She asked a Council spokesman at the meeting if the hall would be ready for use by September and said she was told it should be open by then.

Councillor Moira Dunn (Lab, Aireborough) who was accompanied by her husband Councillor Mike Dunn, said she would be calling for a full inquiry regarding the sudden closure of the hall.

Coun Mike Dunn said: "We are determined that Yeadon Town Hall, which is the heart of the community of Yeadon, will be re-opened at the earliest opportunity and we are seeking ways and means of shortening the closure time if at all possible.

"We are also aware of the financial problems that have, and will be, caused to users in the meantime. We are asking the Council to consider what help they can give to groups who use the town hall.

A spokesman for the Council said buses had been provided to take people from Yeadon to Guiseley Parish Church for a carol concert, costing the Council £1,000.

The Council spokesman also pointed out that the caretaker's home, which is attached to the hall, had an independent electrical system.

"Security lighting and heating are being maintained because we have to make the hall safe from vandals," added the spokesman.

Groups can remove equipment from the town hall on Saturday, January 2, between 10am and 2pm.

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