Local MP Robbie Moore has called on Bradford Council to take urgent action to save Haworth Village Hall from falling into further disrepair.
The Hall was allocated £1.1 million in 2022 under the previous government’s Keighley Towns Fund to be used for renovation works.
However, the funding currently remains unspent. .
The funding was also intended to support Space to Inspire, a group that works with schools and the local community to provide accessible STEM/STEAM-based activities and learning for young people.
Space to Inspire has regularly used the Hall’s premises for its activities, as have other local groups, including Haworth Scouts and Haworth Band, a long-established and highly celebrated brass band.
Many local groups and residents have expressed concerns about the condition of the Hall and the urgent need for repairs and maintenance, and agree that the space could provide significant potential benefit to the community if properly renovated.
Located on Butt Lane, Haworth Village Hall has been a part of the village for well over a century. The site first opened in the 1890s as one of two school buildings catering for infants and juniors.
Mr Moore raised concerns about the Hall during Business Questions in the House of Commons.
Speaking in an oral question to the Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell MP , the local MP raised his frustration that funds allocated to the project remain unspent by Bradford Council after nearly four years, while the Hall continues to deteriorate.
In his response, Sir Alan said:
“I will make sure that the matter is taken up with the appropriate Ministers. Although these issues are to be decided locally, this is public money, so if Ministers can do anything to help resolve the situation, that would be appropriate.
Commenting on the status of the Hall, Robbie Moore MP said:
“It has been so frustrating to see Haworth Village Hall fall into such disrepair in recent years. I was delighted when the previous Government allocated £1.1 million for the Hall to be renovated. However, as with numerous other Towns Fund projects, there has been little action from Bradford Council.
I will not let this issue drop and will continue to push the Government and Bradford Council until urgent action is taken to save this vital community asset from ruin.”
