LOCAL councils are being urged to talk to each other soon to ensure the planting of flowers continues in Keighley villages.

Town and district councillor Adrian Naylor claimed Bradford Council should make greater efforts to contact parish councils about taking over this possibility for maintaining flowerbeds.

He said some, including Steeton-with-Eastburn Parish Council, were already in negotiations, but others like Silsden Town Council had not yet been approached by City Hall.

Cllr Naylor hopes parishes can strike similar cost-sharing deals to Ilkley Town Council, which has agreed to pay for plants, while Bradford continues to supply maintenance crews.

He spoke after Bradford’s parks department reported to councillors on its progress cutting many thousands of pounds on its annual budget.

Keighley Area Committee heard that the 80 per cent reduction in flowerbed spending had affected the appearance of flowerbeds and hanging baskets across the district.

Staff had assessed priorities for every flower bed, in some cases removing them, and in others providing mostly permanent plants.

Under the changes, the council’s policy for the memorial gardens in Silsden and Steeton is to reduce the scale of planting and use a mix of permanent and bedding plants.

The Friends of Central Park in Haworth were among groups planning to take on some responsibility for looking after flowerbeds in their area.

Keighley in Bloom agreed to maintain some planters and tubs in Keighley town centre and ensure floral displays continued.

Cllr Naylor, who serves on Bradford and Silsden councils, said he understood Steeton councillors were considering taking on similar responsibilities at talking over the details with Bradford parks officers.

Cllr Naylor added: “I would encourage Bradford to go out and talk to parish councils. There has to be discussion about where the shortfalls are and how these can be met.

“It’s got to be done before Bradford orders flowers for the growing season. It’s usually just after Christmas when the order goes in.”