OTLEY Town Council says a residents survey over the future of the Civic Centre could yet go ahead.

The council planned to carry out a questionnaire last year to find out what people in the town would prefer to happen to the Grade II Listed building, which has been closed since 2010.

Those plans were shelved, however, when Leeds City Council - the Civic's owners - announced it was to begin marketing the property and invited expressions of interest.

The results of that move have yet to be publicised though it is believed Leeds has received several proposals that it is currently considering.

Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "We remain committed to consulting residents on major developments, including the future of the Civic Centre, bearing in mind the building is Leeds' responsibility and they decided to launch their Expressions of Interest process when they knew we were planning a survey.

"Our view remains that a survey can be useful if it is accompanied by solid information upon which residents can form a judgement, and so we await more from Leeds on the outcome of their Expressions of Interest.

"Others with an obvious interest, such as Otley Courthouse* and the Give Otley its Town Hall! campaign, also need to come forward with more substantial detail and costs so an intelligent and informed discussion and comprehensive survey can take place.

"Until such time as this information is made available for wide scrutiny, however, the survey will remain on hold."

*In August Otley Courthouse unveiled its early-stage proposals to expand and create a 400 seat auditorium behind its current base.