Campaign to save 'vital' community building

Riddlesden United Reformed Church is due to close in January

An "urgent" campaign has been launched to save a church building for the local community.

Riddlesden United Reformed Church, which is used by a number of groups, is set to close on 18 January due to a "dwindling congregation".

Now, an application has been lodged with Bradford Council to have the building in Scott Lane designated as an Asset of Community Value.

Keighley Town councillor Peter Kates said the building was a "safe space for hundreds of young people to learn skills and socialise," adding: "If we don't take action it's going to go."

The church plays host to "thriving" Scouts, Guides, Beavers, Brownies, Rainbows and Squirrels groups as well as friendship and senior groups, and art and choir activities.

Kates said there was concern locally that if the site was sold it could be bought by a developer for housing.

However, if designated as an Asset of Community Value the church would have to notify the council if the land was put up for sale and the community would then have six months to raise funds to buy it.

Kates said: "Riddlesden URC is not just bricks and mortar; it is a vital part of our community."

The campaign has also been supported by Keighley councillors Caroline Firth, Lisa Robinson and Fulzar Ahmed who said they had spent "many happy hours" at the church at political events, coffee mornings and litter-picking sessions.

Scout leader Daniel Mosby said since the group first met in 1945 "thousands of young people have had the building as the home of their adventure, teaching countless skills and providing incalculable memories".

"It would be extremely disappointing to lose this excellent resource with its heritage as our home," he said.

Bradford Council is reviewing the application.

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