Work is likely to start within four months on Steeton's new £200,000 community hall.

Parish council chairman David Mullen hoped contractors would begin the five-month building project in May.

Funders of the project have insisted that work is completed in 2012 as a condition of their grants.

The planned hall, next to the bowling green alongside Skipton Road, will replace the existing ageing bowling hut and provide much-needed space for local groups.

Planning permission was given by Bradford Council in 2011 and all funding had been secured by the end of last year. The hall steering committee, made up of parish councillors and other local people, met with the building’s architect last month.

Coun Mullen said the architect was now drawing up detailed plans for submission to Bradford Council's building control department. He said: “Once we've got approval we'll be looking at putting it out to tender and hope to start building in May. Once the building is up and running we have three months to demolish the old building.”

Coun Mullen said the steering committee planned to talk to organisations about what facilities will be on offer. He said: “We’ve had expressions of interest from some of the groups. The intention is to talk to everyone.”