A VISITOR attraction in the district has become an asset of community value.

Bradford Council approved a request to list White Wells in Ilkley as an asset of community value at a meeting on Thursday.

It means that if the building were to be sold, community groups and Ilkley Town Council will be offered the chance to bid for it before it goes on the market.

The building, half way up Ilkley Moor, includes a Victorian "plunge pool" that remains a popular attraction, with hundreds visiting every New Years Day to jump into the waters. There are also toilets and a cafe.

The building is currently owned by Bradford Council, and the request to list the building came from Ilkley Civic Society.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's Keighley Area Committee on Thursday chair of the society Helen Kidman said: "The facilities here are essential due to the visitor numbers going up.

"The site is important in Ilkley history, and listing this building will provide it some protection."

The committee then approved the request.

Bradford Council has given no indication it intends to sell the building.