Refurbishment of Silsden Town Hall will take a month longer due to damaged floorboards being discovered.

But Bradford Council has pledged the building will reopen in time for Silsden’s Christmas fair on November 24.

Contractors carrying out the £300,000 improvements discovered wet and dry rot on the ground floor.

Coun Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said the floorboards had to be replaced with concrete.

He said: “The cost will be funded by the council’s regular repair and maintenance budget.

“We will be able to open the building to allow the Silsden Town Christmas fair to take place before temporarily closing it for about a week to allow the building to be finished.”

The dry rot was the second surprise for contractors, who in August discovered an ornate wooden roof structure and arched window after removing a suspended ceiling on the first floor.

Instead of replacing the ceiling it was decided to ensure the original features remained visible.

“It’s worth the extra work. It will give the building the wow factor,” said Coun Andrew Mallinson, who represents Silsden on Bradford Council.

Refurbishment includes new toilets, a lift to the first floor and a ramp at the front to improve access.

Silsden Library will move into the town hall and the old library in Wesley Place will be sold to pay for the town hall improvements.