GAFFER tape stuck over torn strips of carpet hardly gives the best first impression of Huddersfield Town Hall's Council Chamber.
Nor do rows of dirty and ripped chairs.
But any major makeover to tired Council Chamber will have to wait at least two years, says a new report.
In the meantime, Kirklees Council workers are wondering how to make the seat of power comply with disability access laws that come into force in October.
Huddersfield's Labour MP, Barry Sheerman, says the town hall is `dirty and dingy'.
But more pressing attention is needed to meet new disability legislation. At the moment, there is room for just one wheelchair in the chamber.
Options to make disabled access to debates easier include dismantling barriers- at a cost of about £1,500 - allowing space for more wheelchairs.
Alternatively, council meetings could be held in the town hall's auditorium.
But the cost of extra seating, loss of income from the room's use as a community venue and the hire of a speaker system could be £15,000 in the first year.
Use of other town halls in Batley, Dewsbury and Cleckheaton has also been suggested. They would be free.
The Council Business Committee will discuss the issues on Wednesday.
Julia Robinson, of the Cultural and Leisure Services Department, said it was important that councillors thought about the problems.
"They need to determine what they require in a modern debating chamber and develop longer-term proposals for refurbishing and modernising the chamber."
