Town's ballroom may make way for flats

A TOWN'S landmark could disappear.

Plans to demolish the Ritz Ballroom on Bradford Road, Brighouse, and build flats for older people have been submitted to Calderdale Council's planning department.

McCarthy and Stone (Developments), of York, have submitted the plans for 38 sheltered flats, a house manager's officer accommodation, a guest suite, 16 parking spaces and landscaping.

When the company unveiled the plans at a public exhibition last November the news was met with a mixed response. Some users of the ballroom said they would not like to see the popular venue go, but other people were interested in the scheme for retirement homes.

A 21-day period for people to raise objections to the plan began last Friday.

The building dates back to the 1930s, when it was a cinema. Lack of support led to its closure in 1961. It was then turned into a bingo hall, until it became the Ritz Casino and Theatre Club in 1965.

The casino closed in 1970, but the theatre club continued for a time before becoming Sammy's Disco.

The building was bought in 1981 by the late Mr Joe Narey, who turned it into a ballroom.

It is now owned by Alan and Pauline Olbison, who are retiring.