COUNCILLORS have called for Asda to develop retail units on a vacant site next to its Keighley supermarket as soon as possible.

They say large shops on the former George Farrar stone yard will provide much-needed jobs while removing a local eyesore.

Abid Hussain, Kaneez Akthar and Khadim Hussain made the plea this week after the site, on Bradford Street, fell victim to flytippers.

A three-piece suite and other furniture was among large items dumped inside the car park of the old stone-yard office building.

Asda bosses pledged to move the rubbish within hours of being alerted by the Keighley News this week.

Cllr Abid Hussain, who represents Keighley Central Ward on Bradford Council, praised Asda for its promise and hoped it would follow with swift action to develop the site.

He said: “When Asda was built here it brought a lot of people to Keighley. Now the landscape around the supermarket looks so open – there’s Asda, the college and the mosque.

“I would be delighted if Asda went ahead with the planning commission they’ve got. The fly tipping is disgraceful. People should have not dump rubbish like this.”

Supermarket giant Asda first announced plans to build on the 30,000 square metre George Farrar site, which is next to its petrol station, in 2009.

Bradford Council initially turned down an application to create two new ‘bulky goods’ shops – probably selling furniture -- amid fears the units would draw trade away from the town centre.

Asda appealed, in 2010 convincing the planning inspector to allow the stores, and the company successfully renewed its planning consent in 2013.

Asda said it had been unable to develop the site in the meantime because a downturn in the market had deterred companies from opening such stores.

An Asda spokesman this week said: "We are currently looking at options on how to take the site forward although no decision has been taken at present.

"We will inspect the site and take any action required to clean up the site and maintain it going forward."

Cllr Akthar, another Keighley West councillor, said: “Any form of retail development is great for Keighley, especially in that area. Asda is becoming one of the biggest local employers of young people.”

Council Akhtar praised Bradford Council wardens and cleansing staff for their “massive” efforts to keep Lawkholme tidy, and residents for quickly reporting incidents of fly tipping.

Cllr Khadim Hussain said he would welcome any action to stop further flytipping on the site.

He added: “If we can use this land more effectively, and create jobs along the way, it’s a win-win situation.”