Roadside eyesores must be cleaned up before the Tour de France comes to Keighley, say councillors.

They are calling on householders and property owners to make sure their sections of the route are spick and span when the riders pass on July 6.

Keighley politicians Khadim Hussain and Abid Hussain spoke out after discovering the litter-strewn state of the derelict former Keighley College car park.

Bradford Council this week sent staff to begin a clean-up after the councillors raised concerns about the North Street parking area.

A council spokesman confirmed to the Keighley News litter had been removed, and said staff will return nearer the date of the Tour to remove weeds.

The two councillors, who represent Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, said it was essential similar action was taken on other parts of the Tour route if necessary.

Coun Khadim Hussain, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, said: “The Tour de France will be a global event, so we have to make extra effort to make sure we portray the best image of the town.

“I would like the council to work with households to get that message home.”

Both councillors said the old college car park would benefit from being resurfaced, but accepted the council could not afford this due to public spending cuts.

Coun Abid Hussain said: “We have to get everything cleaned up, get the rubbish cleared away and make sure nobody can throw any more in there.

“The Tour de France is very important and this car park is off the main road.”

A Bradford Council spokesman this week confirmed a college car park clean-up was in progress.

She added: “The former college buildings are currently up for sale, and because the surface of the car park is not appropriate for regular use, it is now closed.

“Street cleansing will be doing a tidy-up along the highway of the route of the Tour de France Grand Depart before it passes through the district.”