AN ANGRY councillor is demanding action over a derelict Keighley town centre site.

And he has accused Bradford Council of a "veil of secrecy" over the future of the prime plot.

The former Keighley College buildings have been empty since 2010 and efforts to sell them began over two years ago.

This week the council said the sale of the Cavendish Street property was progressing and that there were several parties interested in the neighbouring North Street premises.

But Coun Andrew Mallinson, a member of Keighley Area Committee and the Town Centre Association, said little had changed since a previous council statement was issued six months ago.

He says something needs to be done urgently.

"This is a prime site in the centre of Keighley and it needs a flagship building," he said.

"The North Street property is the more prominent of the two but we're just not getting information from the council.

"I'm getting sick of being fobbed off over what's happening there.

"Money has been allocated for demolition. How long do we have to wait until somebody will make a decision and pull down the building to provide a clear, marketable site?

"We need something there to draw people to the town centre."

Some of his concerns are echoed by Steve Seymour, chairman of the Town Centre Association.

He told us: "I share Andrew's frustrations, but having said that the market is not stimulated for new properties and as much as I love Keighley – it's a great town – we have bigger places like Leeds and even Bradford where major developers are looking to instead of secondary towns and cities.

"The former college buildings have some great features but I agree that if they can't be sold they should be demolished, and short term a usable space created similar to the urban garden that was provided in Bradford. If the site was cleared, it would remove a major cost and obstacle to future development.

"I welcome news that part of the site is being sold but I still have concerns. I would like to see what is planned."

Council spokesman Paul North, masterplan manager, said: "Solicitors have been instructed and the sale of the Cavendish Street building is progressing but we can't give any further details until it is completed. We are providing information and responding to several interested parties after marketing the larger North Street building."