Flooded Calderdale Council building to be demolished

Hebden Vale Centre, in Hebden Bridge, was badly damaged in the Boxing Day 2015 floods

A flood-damaged community building that was used by children and older people is to be demolished.

Hebden Vale Centre, in Hebden Bridge, was badly damaged in December.

A Calderdale Council report said the premises had been left vacant since the flooding and had deteriorated.

On Wednesday, councillors approved demolition plans and agreed to allow the Environment Agency to initially use the site as a base for flood alleviation works.

The centre was being used as a children's centre and a day centre for older people

The council said it was considering turning the site in to a car park once the Environment Agency had completed its work.

Councillor Barry Collins said: "The Hebden Vale Centre was in a sorry state after the flooding and, given its prominent location in Hebden Bridge, it's important this site is utilised in the best way going forward. Parking must be an eventual option.

"In the short term, allowing the Environment Agency to use the site will provide a local base for the ongoing remedial and flood alleviation works in the town."