A HISTORIC house left to the people of Great Harwood for use as a library will be given to a not-for-profit group after books left there by its famous former owner were found to be hazardous.

Churchfield House will be given to the town’s Civic Society on a long term lease at a peppercorn rent where it will instead by used for community meetings and projects.

MORE TOP STORIES:

However, the council has admitted it could be forced to pay out financial damages to beneficiaries of Milton Haydock’s estate for breaking the terms of the bequest.

Mr Haydock, who lived in the house until his death in 1926, was the son of spirit merchant Joseph Haydock and a councillor on the Urban District Council and said the building must be used as a library.

But regeneration projects manager Ian Marfleet said: “Churchfield House has been significantly underused for many years. The books in the reading room (the library) have deteriorated to such a level that they have become a health and safety hazard and many are now beyond economic repair.”

After Mr Haydock’s death, his wife remained in the home until she passed away in 1936, when another library had already been built.

The house was used as a reference library and a room was set aside for local residents to read daily newspapers that were provided.

Over the past 18 months, the building has hosted a camera club, NHS groups, fitness classes, political parties, and parties and events. It has also seen murder mystery events, craft fairs, an auction, and Spanish courses.

Improvements carried out during that time include decorating, the replacement of antiquated boilers, and new furniture.

Despite the society’s good work, the council has put special measures in place in case it is challenged by any of Mr Haydock’s descendants.

Mr Marfleet said: “The beneficiaries may be entitled to financial losses in addition to the costs incurred in resolving the position.The council has introduced a break clause within the lease agreement, which could be used to break the agreement and recover the building should a beneficiary materialise.”