RESIDENTS have expressed their fears over the closure of a council building used by community groups.
Newland Building, which houses a customer service centre as well as a community garden, now faces an uncertain future.
Pat Wragg, who lives in Farnley Square, said the community would be opposed to any closure or sale of the former Newland Primary School.
Mrs Wragg said: "It's a beautiful building and it's been there forever.
"It would be really bad news if it closes.
"I'm totally opposed to it."
The council only revealed the potential closure during the Wyke Area Committee meeting last week.
The main concern is what the site would become if it goes up for sale.
Before the former Newland Primary School was taken over by the council, there had been interest from retail chains.
Mrs Wragg said: "We certainly don't want another coffee bar down here."
The Newland area has very few community centres, so the loss of the Newland Building would hit them hard.
Anna Scott, a member of Ella Street Residents' Association, said it would be a great loss.
She said: "It would be a shame, it's nice to have council services on your doorstop.
"The council should be making it more accessible, not less."
It is still unclear where the services in the site will be moved to, although Neighbourhood Nuisance team will be moved to the Orchard Centre in Orchard Park.
Mrs Scott said if the services were moved outside of the ward, they would be less a part of the community and difficult for those with young children or mobility problems to reach.
The move would be a particular blow to the Ella Street Residents' Association after they had campaigned for the community garden to be reopened at the Newland Building.
She said: "A lot of people in this area go every Friday to keep the garden going and we wanted it to be used a lot.
"People would be very upset if it went."
A council spokesman said they are reviewing usage of buildings across the council.
Jayne Biglin, another resident who lives in Farnley Square, said: "There are no other community centres around here.
"It's our heritage, there's enough change in Newland Avenue.
"It's nice to have something stay the same."
