00:00Built in 1880, Pudsey Town Hall on Robin Lane was the headquarters of Pudsey Urban District
00:06Council from 1912 to 1974. The building has hosted weddings, community groups, performances
00:13and meetings, with a local petition describing it as a visible reminder of Pudsey's independent
00:19spirit. Now though, the sale of the empty 19th century building looks set to go ahead,
00:25despite the opposition. Leeds City Council said it had consulted property agents on the future of
00:30Pudsey Town Hall after declaring its surplus to requirements, with the authority needing to
00:35save more than £100 million this financial year. In July, an online petition was signed by over
00:421,250 people calling for sale plans to be halted. The petition organiser said Pudsey Town Hall is more
00:49than just bricks and mortar, but a symbol of civic pride, local heritage and the community's
00:55identity. Non-profit Pudsey Town Hall Community Interest Company was drawing up plans for future
01:01use of the building, with the council saying it was costing tens of thousands of pounds a year to
01:05maintain. They've said their decision to progress with the sale comes after a significant amount of
01:10time working with ward members and the CIC to try and find an alternative solution, but unfortunately
01:16no viable way forward has been found. Proceeding with the sale is classed as a key decision for
01:22the council, meaning a financial impact of more than £500,000. A spokesperson said the council are
01:29grateful to all those who have contributed to the discussion about the future of Pudsey Civic Hall
01:33and they will aim to keep those involved updated as developments progress. The petition against the sale
01:39also called for the creation of a Pudsey Town Council to take on political decision-making in the town.
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