A TOP councillor wants town halls preserved.

Lib-Dem John Smithson made the call as Kirklees Council’s Conservative-run Cabinet reviews their use.

He said: “These marvellous buildings in places like Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley are the traditional symbols of local government, whose worth far outweigh their costs.

“We are lucky to have inherited these splendid buildings, decked out in Victorian splendour.

“Our town halls should be retained and maintained in all their splendour for the benefit of future generations.”

And the Almondbury representative believes they could be used more.

Clr Smithson said: “Many charities and community groups find the cost of hiring a room too expensive. We need to lower these fees to increase use of town halls.

“This would ease the financial burden on these groups and bring in more income for the council.”