I READ the article in your publication – MP call for breakaway vote (Keighley News, January 8) – with great interest and jubilation.

I think a new Airedale and Wharfedale District Council to cover the Shipley constituency and Keighley & Ilkley constituency would be very popular.

There are several town and parish councils (the biggest two being Keighley and Baildon currently) within the two parliamentary constituencies. The people of Bingley have also set up a Bingley Community Council Group to campaign for the establishment of a Bingley Town Council in the near future.

Such town and parish councils only get established with support from residents because people feel the current gargantuan Bradford Metropolitan District Council – with 90 councillors across 30 wards, with a geographic area stretching from Ilkley all the way down to Wyke, and from Stanbury all the way across to Greengates – does not represent the specific needs of their local area.

Indeed, a smaller district council that is truly local and truly represents its communities may well lead to the realisation some of the current parish and town councils hereabouts are no longer necessary because their job is now being done for them by a truly representative principal authority.

I would personally have no problem with that as I consider only one layer of truly representative local government is necessary. All parish and town councils have to be funded by a precept paid by local residents, on top of people’s council tax bill.

If my town of Keighley was represented by a new district council that understood local needs, I would not support the retention of Keighley Town Council on which I currently serve.

COUNCILLOR SAMUEL FLETCHER

Keighley