Council plans more money after Ingleborough Hall closure

The closure of a council outdoor education center has resulted in just half of bookings being transferred to the authority’s sole remaining site.

Bradford Council’s Outdoor Education Service organized school trips from two sites; Ingleborough Hall and Buckden House.

Almost £3 million was needed to bring the Ingleborough building up to a good standard and the council took the decision to close the facility on August 31.

As a result, the business was transferred to Buckden House, but a report revealed that only 50% of bookings were transferred from the other side.

Julia Britton, who was headteacher of a local primary school for four years, campaigned to save Ingleborough Hall before it closed.

“Schools are always looking for outdoor education opportunities and taking their children to residential is absolutely priceless,” she said.

“I can’t help but think that Bradford Council have really missed a trick on this.

“Investing in Bradford’s children would have made a difference to their future.”

Ms Britton, who has visited Ingleborough Hall on school trips for more than 20 years, added: “I don’t want to speak negatively about Buckden House, it’s just the fact that the building is too small to accommodate all the children and adults . that our school would have liked to follow.”

Before the closure, neither service was covering its costs, with an operating loss of £176,000.

In order to generate more revenue, the Buckden center will try to conquer new markets, according to a report to be presented to council on Wednesday.

The new target includes hikers and cyclists by organizing adventure events.

Councilors will oversee the plan to create more cash at the children’s services scrutiny and scrutiny committee on January 15.

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