The dilapidated centre on Mill Lane had not been used for a number of years and had fallen into disrepair.

Now, having secured planning permission for change of use for an office space, storage and a workshop, Kirklees Council is hoping to sell the building.

And the Hanging Heaton Community Group (HHCG) hopes a proportion of the money raised from the sale will be ploughed back into the community.

When plans for the sale of the building were first raised two years ago, members asked for a share of the cash to come to them to benefit everyone in the village.

In order to do this the group needed to get charitable status – and now they have.

“The community centre was partly owned by the Hanging Heaton Community Association which doesn’t exist any more,” said HHCG secretary Tessa Lowe.

“As they were a charity, the money couldn’t come to us unless we too secured charity status. Now we have, so it means we can move forward on to the next level.”

Tessa said they hoped to create a community facility somewhere in the village.

“Even if it could have been restored I don’t think people would have used that community centre because of where it is, on the outskirts of the village,” she added.

Tessa said developing a new centre could be as simple as using an existing facility at St Paul’s Church or Ebenezer Chapel by making it more available to the public. She said they also wanted new members to come along to meetings and have their say as to how the money could be put to best use.

The next meeting is at Ebenezer on Thursday, October 4 at 7pm. Anyone in need of transport to get there can contact Tessa on 07870 508452.

Meetings are moved around the village and held at Ebenezer, St Paul’s, the cricket club and working men’s club.

The group also has several social events planned including a carol service and blessing of the tree, a treasure hunt and a music, swing and jazz night with supper.