CRITICS have for a long time fought to highlight concerns about Keighley Town Council's handling of the public purse.

Misgivings were aired very publicly, often through the pages of this newspaper, about the body's financial decisions.

Its management of the civic centre and the implementation of a massive precept rise to help prop-up the ailing building came in for particular condemnation.

And opponents of the town council's actions won full backing from MP Kris Hopkins, who even raised the issue in Parliament.

Now a damning auditors' report has given credence, in startlingly stark terms, to those concerns.

It has revealed a catalogue of weaknesses, including possible unlawful activity.

The town council has continually defended itself against criticisms and denied any wrongdoing.

But it is now time for a full explanation and an apology. That's the least the electorate deserves.