MORE top-name national retail giants are opening in Keighley, creating new jobs.

And the big-brand investment is being hailed as a sign of soaring confidence in the town.

Outdoor clothing and equipment company Trespass will open in the Airedale Shopping Centre next month, and is recruiting seven members of staff.

And fashion firm Peacocks will follow in September, with workers being taken on later this summer.

Steve Seymour, the shopping centre manager, said: “This is a real boost for all of us, both the town and the centre.

“These companies are in the midst of large expansions and choose their new locations very carefully. They have seen this is an area that is on the rise economically and decided to ride that wave.

“I am especially happy that Trespass is opening in Keighley. We are right in the middle of a tourist area, with Haworth and the steam railway nearby, and the beautiful Yorkshire countryside all around. I know that visitors come from as far afield as Hong Kong and America to visit Bronte country and take a trip on the railway, then walk out on the moors.

“But there’s been no bespoke shop in the town dedicated to outdoor activities, so this will be perfect for these visitors.

“I’m expecting Trespass to be a very popular store.”

Glasgow-based Trespass, the official clothing supplier for this year’s Commonwealth Games and the Queen’s Baton carriers, currently has 150 stores across the UK, with more in the pipeline.

Spokesman Aird Jardine said: “We are delighted to be moving into the Airedale Centre in what is a prime location within the shopping mall. As a company we are steadily expanding.

“Keighley as a town is well placed for us, as it is in the middle of a popular area for outdoor tourism. This, coupled with the big rise in interest in outdoor and sports activities, means that we expect the new store to very popular both with locals and with visitors to the region.”

Peacocks – which is owned by Edinburgh Woollen Mills – is taking a triple unit in Cooke Lane, including the old Bonmarché and Currys premises.

Mr Seymour said: “It’s good to see a well-known High Street name decide to come to Keighley – it will greatly enhance the mix of fashions we have on offer for all ages.”

Simon Anderson, for Peacocks, says the Keighley store opening is among several UK-wide this year by the company.

“We felt the Airedale Shopping Centre offered a strong retail position for our store as it attracts large numbers of shoppers and offers great-value shopping in the heart of Keighley,” he said.

Bonmarché, which has been in the centre for 20 years, is relocating into a bigger unit as part of the developments.

The latest boost for Keighley comes hot on the heels of other major retailers, including TK Maxx and Dunelm Mill, moving into the town.

Delighted Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: “This is another major boost for jobs, and for the local economy and for the standing of the town."

“After some difficult years, Keighley is truly establishing itself as a highly regarded shopping destination. I hope that the good news will continue to come as the economy continues to grow and moves onto an even more stable footing.”