HAVING just read the article regarding the plans for the former Regent Cinema building in North Street – New plans imminent for 'eyesore' building (Keighley News, June 22) – I am once again appalled at the short-sightedness of our wonderful district council.

J D Wetherspoon has a fantastic reputation of taking handsome but derelict old buildings and refurbishing them tastefully and in keeping with their history and surroundings.

One doesn't have to look far for proof – just look next door at the former Temperance Hall which has won several awards.

If you are not convinced, you don't have to travel too far either. For example in Brighouse, JDW took a former Methodist chapel, which had fallen into disrepair, and restored the interior, keeping the organ and wood panelling in place – it is well worth a visit.

However, the objectors will no doubt be non-drinkers and therefore they will be saying we don't need yet another public house, but I would like to point out once again that we, in Keighley, have had umpteen pubs close over the years, the latest being the Star in North Street. Add to that the fact other than the Picture House, there is little else in the form of entertainment to be had.

It's been a policy of Bradford Council to promote entertainment in the city centre to the detriment of all the other towns in the district. BMDC would much prefer everybody to travel and spend their hard-earned money in the city centre rather than locally.

Councils and governments are constantly preaching to us mortals that we should do everything we can to save the planet, but at every turn they force us to travel, be it for entertainment or work. It is high time these so-called leaders took a leaf out of their own books.

On reading the article, it was obvious to me the facade of the building was to be retained, with only the rear being altered. This would mean the appearance of North Street would be improved. Indeed, it would probably look as it did when it was first built – a vast improvement to how it is today.

Contrast that with what BMDC proposes on the other side of the street: it has just demolished one 'box' to be replaced with yet another.

As for councillors Zafar Ali and Khadim Hussain bemoaning the fact the building has been stood derelict for two years and is an eyesore, I would suggest they have a word with owners of the former TSB building next door to the Star Hotel in North Street, which has been stood derelict for more than 30 years to my reckoning, the owner of the Victoria Hotel and, not forgetting, East Parade.

If BMDC had got its collective fingers out and allowed projects that benefit the town to go ahead, instead of hindering them at every turn, then we would all benefit.

Pointing out that “it is obvious nobody could make a success of running the building as a nightclub” is misleading because I think after 35 or more years of being a nightclub I think somebody has earned money and provided jobs and entertainment there – a success, I believe. But if you take away all the complementary businesses from the area around a nightclub, or any other business for that matter, then, naturally, it will suffer – common sense.

It seems to me that for BDMC, building houses on green fields is its top priority, so it can collect more rates whilst cutting services, and have more people travelling to Bradford to further line its pockets.

The council should have allowed this project, if only for the roof garden, where customers could enjoy the open air, relax and have a quiet drink. Brings to mind Up On The Roof by the Drifters.

Joe Karkoszka

Wood Street, Coldshaw, Haworth