I AM delighted and honoured to have been given the opportunity to stand up for Keighley by being co-opted to the town council.

I was born and bred in this town and care passionately about the future of Keighley, and especially the town council.

Now co-opted, I hope I can bring youth, drive, commitment and a desire to always get the best deal for Keighley, as I promised in my statement to the council.

I am looking forward to getting involved in the local community and raising my voice on issues to ensure that my constituents are properly heard in the council and that we all can see our town flourish. I know the last few years have brought many challenges to Keighley Town Council, but I am extremely optimistic about the direction which the council has headed in since its election last month.

We must look to the future in the council and continue to stretch out and work with all other elected representatives in this town to fight together and bring positive change to Keighley – division will not get us anywhere.

I am extremely happy to be bringing a youthful voice into Keighley Town Council, this is so important and I hope to be able to aid young participation in our community, and I thank all members for voting unanimously for me.

COUNCILLOR LUKE MAUNSELL

Labour, Oakworth, Keighley Town Council