SHOPPERS were asked for their views on plans to revamp Huddersfield town centre.

And the great majority oppose them.

Labour councillors on Kirklees Council set up an information stand outside the public library and asked passers-by to complete questionnaires.

The main focus was on plans to knock down the 1930s Art Deco classical library and art gallery, the Piazza shopping centre, Queensgate market and the Queensgate car park.

They could be replaced by modern structures.

Other options include ``gutting" the library and re-designing the interior, or extending it and putting on a new roof.

Other buildings could face similar changes.

Any of the options will cost millions of pounds.

The bold suggestions were put forward by Kirklees Council Cabinet, run by Liberal Democrats, who say the buildings need repairs and modernisation.

Consultants are drawing up firm blueprints for changes before a consultation is launched.

However, the Labour councillors found 95% of people questioned opposed the plans.

Clr Mehboob Khan, leader of the Labour group, said the survey would help them construct their party policy.

He said: "Our views will be formed when we have listened to people's responses."

Clr Ken Smith said: "It is a kite-flying exercise by the Cabinet to see what people's reactions are. It is important for people to state them."

People told the councillors they wanted to keep the library and Piazza.

Many thought the library's architecture was unusual and irreplacable.

However, some thought the Queensgate Market was dated and needed air conditioning and a new layout.

They also felt the nearby car park should be pay on exit, not entry and complained that the town centre looked shabby.

Michael Navarro, 19, of Berry Brow, said the town centre needed improving, but the ideas were wrong.

He added: "It is a bad idea. I don't think there is a great deal of heritage in Huddersfield. The library is one of the few things left.

"I think they should improve the Piazza and Queensgate, but knocking them down is a bad idea. They don't need to be modernised that much."

An Ashenhurst resident, who did not want to be named, said the library and art gallery could be split.

He said the library should stay as it was and the gallery could be housed elsewhere, along with a state of the art museum.

However, the council Cabinet and officers say the services need to stay on a town centre site.

Another Huddersfield resident was strongly opposed to any of the buildings being demolished.

He added: "Politicians don't listen to people's views. They will still knock it down if they want to. This library is a wonderful building and should stay."

Some people said they would consider alternatives to the current buildings.

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