CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save two crumbling Ilkley chapels received a tremendous boost this week.

As reported in last week's Ilkley Gazette, the two buildings in the town's cemetery had attracted the interest of The Bradford Building Preservation Trust.

Bradford Council's Sports and Recreation sub-committee met on Tuesday to agree the sale to the Trust.

They would then be put on the market by the Trust. The buildings could be used as meeting rooms, churches, museums, libraries or art galleries.

Officers told the committee that one chapel was consecrated but could be de-consecrated for a different use.

They told members interest had been expressed by the Wharfedale Family History Group which wanted to use it as a library and research centre.

The sub committee agreed to let the Trust have the chapels at a nominal cost, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport and the Environment, John Prescott, if required.

Committee member Coun Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) said he was delighted a use had been found for the buildings which are listed as being of special architectural and historic interest.

He said: "They are very fine buildings and I am delighted that they will be saved. Many people will be glad about what is happening."

The two chapels have fallen victim to vandals in recent months, to the disgust of Ilkley parish councillors who were anxious for them to be restored.

The Trust aims to identify and restore buildings of historical interest, listed buildings and properties within conservation areas. It's charitable status means it is able to draw on grants not available to developers or councils.

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