THE IMPORTANCE of a threatened Keighley valley has been highlighted by one of its leading defenders.

Friends of the North Beck Valley chairman David Wilkinson has spoken of the beauty and heritage of the vale between Fell Lane and Braithwaite.

He gave an impassioned speech on behalf of the Friends to Bradford Council planners who met this month to discuss proposals to build 100-plus houses and a 90-bed care home.

The planning committee subsequently rejected the controversial planning application for the former Holme Mills site and adjacent fields and woodland.

Mr Wilkinson has also issued a request for information about the history of his own home, Intake Farm, which sits on a public footpath crossing the valley via historic Tinker Bridge, upstream from the Holme Mills site.

Keen naturalist Mr Wilkinson described the area, known locally as ‘Tinker’, as Keighley’s number one beauty spot.

He said: “It’s a peaceful area loved and enjoyed by the public for generations. There’s a little river, bridge, waterfall, and woodland bluebell walks.

“Tinker, from right back in history, has been a play area and a picnic area. Families of all ages go there to relax – between 50 and 200 people can visit on a sunny day.

“Rambling groups visit to admire the beautiful countryside. School groups go there on nature walks to learn about wildlife.

“This place is absolutely unique… kingfishers, curlews, dippers, brown trout, orchids… it’s a place of nature, peace and tranquility, and is uplifting to peoples’ hearts.”

Mr Wilkinson said Intake Farm was a Grade II listed farmhouse built in the 1600s.

He added: “The footpath goes through the cobbled farmyard of the old Intake Farm, giving you the feeling of travelling back in time hundreds of years.

Anyone with history of Intake Farm, or who knows how Tinker got its name, should email Mr Wilkinson at dwilkinson339@gmail.com or call him on 01535 663485.