SKIPTON Town Hall's modern new structure has been branded a French toilet and a carbuncle by angry opponents.

Controversial colour LED displays advertising events at the venue will now be added to the side entrance after gaining planning permission by the narrowest of margins.

The strip screen will be updated every 30 seconds... but slowly, so as to not startle passing motorists on the narrow Jerry Croft, councillors were told on Monday!

The almost completed aluminium-coloured toilet block with new entrance has also been fitted with Skipton Town Hall lettering. But this was done before first receiving planning permission, Craven District Council's planning committee heard.

Members approved the new LED display, and gave retrospective permission for the lettering, but not before a move to refuse both was defeated by just one vote.

Many criticised the look of the structure, with Skipton member, Cllr Robert Heseltine, comparing it to a 'Gallic pissoir' and a 'carbuncle'.

Others described it as 'hideous' and said the LED display would be akin to fixing a 'giant mobile phone on the side of the building'.

But not all thought it was unacceptable, with chairman, Cllr Richard Welch, commenting beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Cllr Chris Harbron pointing out it had replaced an unpopular 'white cube'.

Members were told the LED display will be like a television screen and will advertise events at the town hall, removing the need for posters stuck to the side of the building.

It could not be compared to fixed advertising signs, as used by shops, because events are constantly changing.

It had also been decided the display will change every 30 seconds and will be static, with no flashing images, so as not to distract motorists using Jerry Croft.

Cllr John Kerwin-Davy (Ind, Skipton North) said he was disappointed about the build quality of the structure, and added the wording is not straight.

He also asked how it was that what is essentially an illuminated sign could be allowed in a conservation area.

He added: "It is essentially a giant mobile phone. It is a desecration of a much-loved building – I don't like it and I don't think it should be approved."

Cllr John Dawson (Con, Skipton North) said he thought the structure already looked hideous, but had no objection to the LED screen.

"If it stops scruffy posters going up around the town hall, I think it will be an improvement."