(Image: Newsquest)
Councillors have spoken out about the loss of services following the closure of a much-loved community centre.
The Hive Community Centre in Silsden closed on September 30 after 10 years of service due to funding and operational challenges.
Airedale ward councillors have since voiced concerns about the impact of the closure and are calling for action to restore essential services.
Councillor Peter Kirk (Cons, Airedale) said: "It was very concerning to hear the news that the HIVE would close.
"It has been a hub for a variety of services in Silsden that I know many local people relied on.
"I will be working closely with my ward colleagues and our local MP, Robbie Moore, to explore any possibility for reopening the HIVE.
"In the meantime, it is vitally important we rehome services displaced by the closure to reduce service interruptions, particularly those services run by Bradford Council, which taxpayers should rightly expect to be delivered.
"Many residents will be concerned at the reduction in local services following the recent publication of the new Draft Local Plan, which has huge and unacceptable new housing demand for Silsden.
"Silsden needs more local services to cope with this, not less.
"Going forward, all options should be on the table, including Bradford Council taking control of the HIVE permanently if that is what is needed to prevent Silsden losing these important local services."
Councillor George Buckley (Cons, Airedale) also expressed concern and said he had contacted the centre’s trustees to offer support.
He said: "I am very concerned to hear about the closure of The Hive and share the fears of local people about the loss of this facility and more importantly the services that operated from the centre.
"Alongside Robbie Moore MP, I have reached out to the trustees to reaffirm our continued support and to look at what options there are to get the centre reopened as soon as possible.
"Given the growth in housing in Silsden in recent years, we cannot be in a position where we lose yet more services from the town.
"I will be calling on the council to take the running of the centre under its own control if that’s what it takes to ensure we keep vital services in Silsden for the benefit of the community."
Councillor Raph Cohn (Cons, Airedale) added: "“I am saddened that some many good people have had to be made redundant.
“I am concerned that this now means the proposed Family Support Hub for Silsden, Addingham, Ilkley and the surrounding area may not be going ahead, and that local residents will have to drive long distances for antenatal appointments.”