REGULAR users of Park Wood in Keighley have expressed dismay that part of the beauty spot has been sold to a local company.

They fear the sale of the small strip of land could lead to further bids to buy parts of the historic woodland.

Bradford Council this month agreed to sell 0.74 per cent of the Park Wood site to Copperwaite Fleet Management.

The company, whose Parkwood Street heavy goods vehicle maintenance business borders the woods, wants to extend its service yard.

The land, which was given to the people of Keighley by the Duke of Devonshire in 1928, will be sold for £15,000.

Eric Yaffey, chairman of the Friends of Park Wood, said the views of members would become known at the group’s next meeting on Wednesday, March 29.

But speaking personally he said he was disappointed by the decision of Bradford Council to sell the Park Wood land.

He said: “Although the decision to approve was legal I don't think it was the right one. It is yet another example of short-term economic gain trumping long-term environmental considerations.

“This was the last opportunity anyone had to prevent a piece of young woodland being turned into a service yard for large goods vehicles.

“The irreversible nature of land use change such as this leads to a ratchet-effect whereby bit-by-bit more and more woodland is developed.”

Long Lee resident Ken Smith, who walks in the woods, agreed that there was always a worry that more of Park Wood might be sold.

He added: “I regard Parkwood as the Green Lung of Keighley. It’s a lovely place to walk through. The only way to make it safe is for more people use it.”

The Friends of Park Wood will meet on Wednesday, March 29 at 7.30pm in Long Lee Village, and is open to anyone with an interest in the wood. The land sale not an agenda item.