I HAD an e-mail from MP John Grogan telling me he was in discussions with Bradford Council regarding the placing of a new police station on the new green space opposite JD Wetherspoons, which the vast majority of Keighley inhabitants want for a green open space for this town.

I am incredulous that he is backing the idea of a new police station, when with the economic climate Bradford is supporting austerity, particularly spending any money in Keighley.

Does Mr Grogan not realise he has his offices in a perfectly good police station that was?

The main reason the police moved out of that building was car parking, nothing else.

He should be backing the people of Keighley’s wish to have a green space. If Mr Grogan wants the support of the electorate, then he should support the town’s wishes.

MALCOLM BALMFORTH Keighley

* John Grogan responds: “The police have decided to leave their current, half-empty building in Royd Ings Avenue.

“West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council are in discussions about a new police station on the land currently occupied by the second former college building in Cavendish Street, which has yet to be demolished. It is not currently green space.

“The police do not think that the old police station, which currently contains both my own offices and those of Keighley Town Council, meet their current requirements and the lack of available parking is certainly a factor.

“If the new police station is not in the centre of town it will again be on the outskirts.

“Having a highly visible new police station in the centre of town is, I believe, important in the fight against crime.”