A FORMER headteacher is calling on people to join her in her campaign to halt the proposed closure and selling off of Ingleborough Hall Outdoor Education Centre in Clapham.

Almost 2,000 people have so far signed an online petition set up by Julia Britton calling for Bradford Council to re-think its proposal to dispose of the centre as part of the £40 million savings it needs to make over the next three years to fight off bankruptcy.

It its proposed cuts, which are currently out to consultation until Saturday, February 17, the council says the closure of the former stately home will save it £200,000. The centre is one of two in the Dales - if the closure goes ahead, services will be transferred to Buckden House centre, in Upper Wharfedale.

The consultation states: "Bradford has two outdoor education centres in North Yorkshire where schools and other groups pay to take children for activity holidays. These are expensive to run, so the suggestion is that one of these, called Ingleborough Hall, is sold. This would save £200,000."

In a report to councillors, the centre is described as running at a deficit and having 'high levels of backlog maintenance'.

Ms Britton, who describes herself as a friend of Ingleborough Hall, the former home of plantsman and traveller, Reginald Farrer, is calling on people to protest against the disposal by taking part in the consultation, and signing her online petition - which five days after being set up on January 26 had been signed by 1,880 people.

She said: "Ingleborough Hall is a very special place, providing a unique, inclusive and often once in a lifetime opportunity to over 4,000 visitors, mostly school children, each year.

"The magnificence of the hall itself is palpable amongst the children when they arrive and the vast outdoor space that is available and the feeling of freedom yet security that exists there given that it is off the beaten track, is a rare find. The atmosphere at Ingleborough Hall is very difficult to describe unless you have been and ‘felt it’ for yourself.

"For many schools the fact that Ingleborough Hall can accommodate large groups is a huge consideration with its 106 beds; not to mention the excellent range of activities such as caving, gorge scrambling, climbing and archery which require a specialist, qualified instructor, draws them back year on year - for some schools this has been part of their annual planning for over 20 years.

"Undoubtedly, for some children who do not necessarily excel in the classroom, being at Ingleborough Hall can be the absolute making of them. Many children who are quiet and shy can benefit hugely from being able to flourish outside the classroom, building their confidence and resilience for a brighter future.

"Ingleborough Hall gives school staff and pupils chance to work together as a team and really see each other in a different light and to have fun and enjoy each other’s company where relationships can flourish; mental health can improve and life-long memories can be made. Some children will move on to choose future hobbies and careers having been inspired by their visit."

She added: "Ingleborough Hall not only welcomes school groups but families, religious groups, youth groups, holiday schemes and music groups from all over the country. The hall goes above and beyond when it comes to inclusion and readily welcomes respite care and young people with SEND during school holidays. Should Ingleborough Hall close, the impact will be wide ranging and felt by many."

Ms Britton is also critical of proposals to transfer bookings to Buckden House.

"Sadly the plan to transfer the bookings from Ingleborough Hall to Buckden House will not work as the council hopes as there are not enough beds - many two and three form entry schools will not be able to be accommodated meaning that many, many children and young people will be disappointed and will miss out."

She adds: "Given the recent news that central government have released an additional £600 million to help relieve the pressures of children's social care; plus an increase to four per cent in core spending power, I would like the council to invest in this wonderful asset for the future generations.

"The closure of Ingleborough Hall will save just one percent of what the council as a whole needs to save for the next three years - the benefits for the children far outweigh the small financial saving. "

In its consultation documents, Bradford Council says: "This year the council will have to make some very difficult decisions. The council no longer gets enough money to keep running the services that it needs to.

"Last year, the council spent nearly all of the money it has on services for children who need extra help and on services for older people.

"The council had to use its savings to pay for other services, and this money has now run out. The council has no choice- it has to spend less money next year. This means residents will get less and will have to pay more.

"No one at the council, or anyone who lives or works in Bradford, wants this to happen, but there is not enough money to keep all the services the same."

The council is due to decide on its budget proposals on Thursday, March 7.

People can sign the petition at: https://bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=658. Deadline is February 17.

Comment on the budget proposals at: www.bradford.gov.uk/your-council/have-your-say-on-the-proposed-financial-plan-and-budget-proposals/about-the-budget-consultation/. Deadline is February 17.