A DAMNING auditors’ report of Keighley Town Council has revealed a “catalogue of disaster”, including possible unlawful activity.

Local authority books went under the microscope after scores of residents raised concerns about how it was spending public money.

Now, after an independent auditor found evidence of “actions that may be unlawful”, Keighley’s MP has written to police calling for an urgent investigation into council affairs.

Kris Hopkins said: “I’ve been a long-standing critic of Keighley Town Council and, alongside a number of tireless and committed local residents, have raised countless concerns about its reckless and arrogant approach to spending public money.

“This report confirms in graphic detail that our fears were well-founded. It is a catalogue of disaster, and those responsible for what has happened must immediately consider their positions.”

The report, carried out by PKF Littlejohn and published by the Audit Commission, highlighted “significant weaknesses” in the council’s governance.

In particular, auditors looked into the council’s decision to embark on a project to develop a civic centre, the poor financial performance of the building and the resulting large increase in the council’s precept charge in 2013/14.

It highlights many problems, including the council failing to have an adequate business plan for the civic centre project, agreeing loans it had no powers to make and failing to keep an adequate record of cash receipts.

The council also entered into transactions with family members of councillors or council employees without adequate safeguards, the report states.

But Keighley Mayor, Councillor Graham Mitchell, said: “The report is historical, referring wholly to 2012-2013, since when the council has instituted procedural changes in governance, new financial regulations have been adopted and a new town clerk and responsible financial officer have been appointed.”

He emphasised auditors state they are encouraged by the council’s initial and positive response to an earlier draft of the report.

Coun Mitchell added: “The auditors now require the council to consider the report in public at a council meeting to be held in the next 30 days.

“Seven clear days’ public notice must be given in the press of that meeting, and it is at that meeting the council must decide what action to take. An extraordinary meeting of the council will be called later in November.”

One person who raised the alarm was Ingrow resident Elizabeth Mitchell. She said: “This report brings no joy – it is a sad reflection on how this town has been let down and abused by those whom we gave our trust to.

“Keighley Town Council has proven beyond doubt it is inept and not fit for purpose.

“I’ve written to Kris Hopkins and the leader of Bradford Council asking them to take our town council into ‘special measures’ until such times it can prove it is capable of complying with the law of the land.”

Town councillor Ron Beale, who had also objected to his own council’s 2012-2014 accounts, said: “Being on holiday, I’ve not yet been able to see the full report, however from what I can gather it appears pretty severe.

“I feel much could have been avoided with good leadership and dialogue with all councillors and parishioners. I hope the council will accept the report in it’s entirety, and comply with it’s full recommendations.”