News Keighley could lose its police cells will be greeted by many with anger and disbelief.

The loss, in recent years, of our magistrates’ court and town centre police station still riles many residents.

Now, the threatened closure of the relatively-new cells at the Airedale House police HQ will be seen as another kick in the teeth for the administration of law and order and justice in our community.

Yes, West Yorkshire Police – like all public bodies – has to tighten its belt in these tough economic times, examining ways of saving taxpayers’ money. The force would rightly come under fierce fire from the public if it was seen to be wasting cash.

But closing the cells in Keighley is not an option.

Police officers, who should be helping keep people safe on Keighley’s streets, would instead be spending time travelling to and from the next nearest custody suite in Bradford.

This is not a time for any political pussyfooting around or sitting on fences. The town must, with one voice, make it abundantly clear the cells have to stay.