SO the debate over whether Keighley should free itself from the Bradford Council 'shackles' has once again reared its head.

This time the embers of the long-burning issue have been stoked-up by MP Kris Hopkins and his neighbour Philip Davies, who would like his Shipley constituency to be part of the new breakaway authority.

The clamour from some quarters for Keighley to be liberated from City Hall began almost as soon as the borough was swallowed-up four decades ago.

And campaigning voices have grown louder in more recent years, particularly since the formation of Keighley Town Council, which came about on the back of the push for independence.

There is a perception, particularly in these times of savage council cutbacks, that the town and its surrounding communities are bearing more than their fair share of hardship and a feeling that money raised here should be spent here.

But the pros and cons of any breakaway must be fully explored and weighed-up before any decisions are made.