A REFERENDUM on the bid to create a new council for Bingley and surrounding villages – including Crossflatts – is not on the cards, say City Hall bosses.

And some villages might be able to 'opt out' if the overall scheme is approved, following an ongoing survey of electors.

Constituency MP Philip Davies had called for a referendum on the proposed new town or parish council.

But a Bradford Council briefing document sent in reply to Mr Davies stressed councillors would make the final decision, stating: “You have queried whether there will be a referendum on the community governance view for local electors.

“There is no proposal to have a referendum.

“Given that the proposals may be more attractive to people in some parts of the proposed area than others and that there might be counter proposals for a reduced or enlarged area, a referendum would not necessarily provide clarity as to the wishes of local people for the expenditure involved.”

Mr Davies said he was neutral about the possibility of creating a town council, but would support the people of Bingley in getting the best possible outcome.

“I would like to see a referendum of all the electors in the area proposed to be covered by the town council so that there is no doubt at all about its democratic legitimacy,” he said.

“Meanwhile, whatever decision is reached, I will step up my campaign in this parliament for the Shipley and Keighley constituencies to break away from Bradford and set up our own unitary authority.”

The briefing note states the consultation will help Bradford Council decide if it supports the establishment of the new parish, including the boundaries it will follow.

However, if residents of one particular village are opposed, but other areas are supportive, the parish can be established, excluding the ‘opposing’ village.

The notes from the council’s legal services department state: “In 2014, a group of residents from Bingley formed a group called Bingley Community Council Group (bingleyccg.org.uk) with the purpose of raising interest in a parish for Bingley, Cottingley, Crossflatts, Eldwick, Gilstead and Micklethwaite."

Ros Dawson, chairman of BCCG, said: “This is an opportunity for the area and we urge people to look at our website and support the proposal."

The consultation process ends on July 31.