'OTLEY cannot support two large purpose-built venues.'

That is the warning being made by Otley Courthouse following criticism of its expansion ambitions by Civic Centre campaigners.

The Courthouse went public in August about its hopes of creating a new, 400 seat auditorium on currently on land behind its current building.

It has until now, though, stayed out of the debate about the future of the Civic Centre - despite the fact campaigners are pushing for that building to reopen with its own entertainment hall.

A letter sent to the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer last week by Give Otley Its Town Hall! campaign, however, has prompted the Courthouse's board to speak out.

In his response Courthouse Chairman David Robson points out that the arts venue is not, as campaign Chairman Tom Featherstone had stated, a private business but a charity limited by guarantee.

He said: "We are, in effect, a community owned and run business, largely volunteer led, which only exists because local people wanted it and local people made it happen."

Turning to the issue of the Civic Centre, he said: "We do not know what the outcome of the Civic Centre redevelopment might be, and at the same time the land to the rear of the Courthouse is being readied for sale.

"Our discussions, planning, and survey of public reactions to our aspirations have been with one purpose - to be ready to be able to offer a plan for the development of a large venue should the Civic Centre site not provide this.

"If Otley Courthouse was not preparing for this possible eventuality then the potential for an extension would be lost forever once the site behind us is sold.

"We could then be accused, quite rightly, of not acting in Otley's best interests."

Mr Robson is also warning that the Courthouse's future could be jeopardised if it had to compete with a redeveloped Civic Centre.

He said: "It may be that a large venue materialises as a part of a future Civic Centre redevelopment - and if this were to happen Otley Courthouse would immediately drop its own plans for an extension.

"Otley cannot support two large purpose built venues.

"It is only right we make it clear that the board does have real concerns that a large venue at the Civic Centre might take business away from Otley Courthouse, and this could result in our demise.

"If the Civic was subsequently unable to make a going concern of its own business, then Otley could be left with not two, but no, arts-based venues."

Mr Featherstone, meanwhile, has insisted he wants to work with the Courthouse.

He said: "We fully supports Otley Courthouse in its current capacity and feel it is a huge asset and benefit for the town.

"However, Leeds City Council has made it abundantly clear that the land which would be used for the extension is not available and, if made available, it would seek the 'best consideration' for the sale at half a million pounds - meaning the Courthouse would have to raise this and find further funds for building costs.

"The GOITH! campaign seeks to renovate the former Mechanics Institute to its former glory with a workable, 400-seater theatre.

"We have published realistic and affordable figures for our campaign and are hoping, if it is successful, we can work alongside Otley Courthouse for the good of the town."

*A survey found that 94 per cent (219) of those asked 'Which of these facilities in an expanded Courthouse would benefit Otley?' chose the answer 'A 300-400 seat, multi-use auditorium'.