'Another piece of history gone': People share their shock and dismay as fire hits historic Calderdale dance hall
People across Calderdale and beyond have been sharing their sadness as well as their memories after huge fire at what used to be The Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse.
Police and firefighters are still at the former dance hall on Bradford Road, which was most recently known as Venue 73, this morning investigating the blaze.
You can see photos and video from the scene HERE.
Courier readers have been speaking of their shock and dismay at the damage caused.
One posted: “A fantastic Art Deco building with one of the greatest sprung dance floors in Great Britain destroyed!
"Had some fantastic nights in that place. Last time I was in there was to watch Paul Carrack.
"Another piece of history gone.”
One posted: “A really sad sight. The Ritz was one of the last Art Deco buildings which survived. Many decades of entertainment, dancing plus organ concerts with myself taking part.”
One reader posted: “I saw PJ Proby there when he was in his prime. Such an iconic building and so sad it's not been used lately.”
Another posted: “This is so sad to see. I worked in there whilst at school as a cloakroom attendant on a Saturday night amongst seeing live bands in there.
"Not to mention how beautiful the building is/was to look at. I prayed the day would come when this building would be preserved.”
One posted: “I had my bachelor night out there when it was a night club and casino 1968 – a great night!”
Another posted: “Iconic northern soul venue, so sad.”
And one posted: “So sad, it was a beautiful building. I had some great nights there.”