THE destruction of Keighley by Bradford Council is well underway now, with no clear plan or ideas in the pipeline for the regeneration of the large areas decimated by the demolition crews.

Hoardings surround these demolition sites, which include Damside, East Parade and South Street, with Cavendish Street to follow shortly. Some of these hoardings have been there for so long and have become so familiar, we tend not to notice them any more.

With grandiose plans for a one-way system for the town, a road widening scheme for Hard Ings Road that will save the commuter five minutes of travelling time, with further plans to build hundreds of houses in the upper Worth Valley with a further 5,000 houses in the future for the Keighley area, an incinerator plant in the Aire Valley, not to mention the decimation of services and Bradford Council’s designs to build on the greenbelt.

For a council that once had some respect to now descend into such disorganised chaos, which can be seen by all who would care to look, proves once again the powers must be removed from this council and be returned to the people of Keighley.

Devolution from Bradford is the only way for the people of Keighley to stop this insane destruction we now see.

Support from our MP will not be forthcoming – he is for Labour and Bradford Council is Labour. At one time it was considered an honour for an elected councillor or MP to fight for, support and listen to the views of the people who elected them. What price that now?

Principled people who are sick to the back teeth of Bradford Council and its attitude to this town and the views of its people must act soon before any other parts of the town are given up to the demolition men.

The sight of a tower crane is a good indication rebuilding is underway – there are none in Keighley.

While Bradford Council surrounds itself with consultants and advisors, proving it has no ideas of its own and will not listen to the people, something has to be said.

With groundbreaking support for devolution for Keighley rising, you must ask yourself if you are prepared to allow Bradford Council to continue riding roughshod over your town and your views.

PETER CLARKE Moorhouse Lane, Oxenhope