THE people of Huddersfield were today promised a big say in the future of the town's library and art gallery.
Following an intense outcry over news the imposing 1930's building could be demolished, councillors today pledged to listen.
There are concerns that the repair bill for urgent work to the decaying building could top £5 million. But to flatten it and create a purpose-built library and art gallery as part of a wider redevelopment of The Piazza would be £25 million.
Clr John Smithson, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet member for Education and Recreation, promised library users: "We will not take a `we know best' approach.
"Everybody who has any interest in the library services, the building and the town of Huddersfield will have ample opportunity to make their voices heard."
Talking about buildings that had been lost in the past, he explained: "I am well aware of the shock and horror that was felt when the former Huddersfield County Borough Council decided to demolish the old Market Hall, the Theatre Royal and other much-appreciated buildings.
"We have no intention of following suit."
A structural survey of the building is also being carried out which will be published in 2004.
The Labour group on the council has already carried out a survey.
Out of 435 respondents to its questionnaire, an overwhelming majority wanted the building saved.
Just over 400 (404) voted not to demolish the library, 29 wanted it replaced with a modern building and 2 were undecided.
Clr Maggie Blanshard, opposition spokeswoman for Culture and Recreation, said: "People want to preserve heritage buildings. People said that to knock the library down would be an act of official vandalism."
Conservative group regeneration spokesman Clr Ken Sims added that his party was utterly opposed to the demolition of the library.
He said: "It is a fine building of significance. Its state of repair is down to bad management and neglect of the town's assets."
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