OTLEY councillors claim the town is being "sold short" after an iconic building was put on the market for a "knock down" price.

Ward councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes say they are surprised that Leeds City Council has put a value of £135,000 on Otley's Civic Centre.

The Grade II Listed building will be sold via an online auction on December 8, with bidding lasting for one day.

A guide price of £135,000 has been set for the property which has been closed since 2010 and looked set until recently to be converted into flats.

Leeds City Council is selling the site along with a number of other assets to help reduce an anticipated multi-million pound budget shortfall for the coming year.

Cllr Lay stressed:"We appreciate that Leeds is having a fire sale of local assets, with this along with Ellar Ghyll and the Tarn Sailing Centre next in line. But once again we see our local community being sold short with this iconic building being sold at a knock down price to developers."

Cllr Campbell said: "By selling the town short the amount of money which will come back to the Otley community will be reduced though much of the money was already earmarked for projects in Labours favoured areas. Assets are being removed from the town with no investment in replacements."

Cllr Downes added:"We did not support Leeds when they closed this community asset, we complained when they have allowed it to fall into disrepair now they add insult to injury by selling our community assets cheap. Leeds needs to give Otley a fair deal".

The listing for the Civic Centre’s auction, at www.pugh-auctions.com/property/14788, states that it is a ‘freehold building approximately 15,500 sq ft over several floors including an auditorium’.

It adds: “The property has potential for numerous uses subject to the necessary consent.” Potential bidders are advised to contact the Local Planning Office at Leeds City Council - telephone (0113) 222 4409.