A GROUP of historians fighting to keep their archives stored in a town hall claim they are the victims of unfair treatment.

The Haxby and Wigginton Local History Group were told their documents and pictures would have to be removed from Haxby Memorial Hall by the end of September because it was running out of space.

The Press first reported the situation last month as the group began its search for a new home.

Denise Moss, from the Haxby Memorial Hall Trust Committee, said at the time that the group had been allowed to store their archives at the hall for several years, but “increased demand from many groups wishing to hire the hall” had led to more demand for storage.

Alan Young, treasurer of the history group, is now questioning why the archives must move and has written to the Trust to outline his concerns.

He believes the Trust favours larger organisations based at the Hall, including broadcasters Vale Radio and instrument shop Larch Music.

Mr Young questions the request to move the history group on partly because David Beal, the chairman of the Trust, is also a director of the radio station and shop.

Mr Young said he had been unsure why the archives had to move, but told The Press: “It appears to be in order to release space to accommodate the needs of two companies occupying approximately one third of this village amenity.”

However, Mr Beal said the claims are “entirely incorrect”.

He said the Trust held a meeting with Mr Young and wrote to him last month to discuss his concerns.

A statement from the Trustees said: “Due to this increased activity we have acquired more equipment which we have to store, for example, more janitorial supplies, more kitchen equipment.

"As a result, Haxby Memorial Hall requires more storage space itself.

“The trustees confirm that there has been no request from either Vale Radio or Larch Music to expand their storage facilities.

“Any suggestion from the history group that this is the case is entirely incorrect and without foundation.”

Mr Young said the group has received offers of help to store the archives, but none have been deemed suitable.

Anyone who can help with the archive storage issues faced by The Haxby and Wigginton Local History Group should contact Mr Young by calling 01904 762234.