the salvation army came to idle in 1884 and took up residence in the old green mill in idle green. in 1890 the foundations were laid for the present idle citadel salvation army worship hall on walter street: the builders were messrs obank & sons of thackley.the hall was opened in april 1893. in 1999 a new community hall was built adjoining the main hall over the site of the old air-raid shelter.