OTLEY residents are being warned of possible disruption as a town centre road will be closed next week to allow urgent repair work to be carried out at Otley Civic Centre.

Garnett Street will shut for part of Wednesday, February 18, while a hoist is put in place so a hole in the historic building’s roof can be patched.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I think it is sad the Civic Centre continues to deteriorate and emergency repairs like this will continue.

“In many ways it is a false economy when a comprehensive scheme would better protect the building.

“I have asked if they can avoid the morning peak – 8am to 9am – so residents can get out to work.

“Hopefully the disruption should be kept to a minimum.”

A Grade II Listed building, the centre closed in 2010 when a long-needed refurbishment scheme, which would have been paid for by owners Leeds City Council, seemed imminent.

That work, however, never materialised.

Local company Futurist Sound and Light is currently working on a bid to have the venue revamped and re-opened as an entertainment and arts hub.

Otley Town Council recently gave unanimous backing to the Venue 21 plan.