THE FORMER Keighley College building in Cavendish Street could be knocked down and replaced with a new police station.

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police are understood to be holding talks about using the site once the existing building has been demolished.

The project – which would give the police their first town centre presence since the original North Street station closed more than a decade ago – was this week welcomed by local politicians.

Keighley MP John Grogan revealed the project, saying: “My understanding is that Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police are in advanced negotiations about siting a new Keighley police station on the site.

“I am in regular contact with both parties encouraging them to conclude the deal. It would be great to have police officers based at the new station clearly visible in the town centre.”

Mr Grogan spoke after Bradford Council submitted an application to its own planning committee for permission to demolish the four-storey college building.

Keighley College left the 63-year-old concrete building around six years ago, and several attempts to sell or rent it have come to nothing. The building has suffered extensive vandalism.

Bradford Council has refused to confirm the police station plan.

A spokesman said: “The council is in negotiation with an end user for the former Cavendish Street college site, but for reasons of commercial sensitivity is unable to confirm the identity of the potential purchaser.”

Councillor Mick Westerman, chairman of Keighley Town Council’s Watch and Transport Committee, said: “I would like to see the police move to the site that is already there. It will be big enough to have parking, and improved access to both North Street and Cavendish Street.”

Keighley Central ward councillor Zafar Ali, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, said: “The existing building is like a white elephant and people are worried about the vandalism.

“Most people desire a new police station in the centre of Keighley – this could be an ideal site.”

Fellow Keighley Central ward councillor Khadim Hussain described a police station in the heart of town as “excellent”, while Abid Hussain, the third district councillor representing the ward, added: “When the police moved out of the town centre it was not acceptable”.

In 2005 Keighley police moved to the £4 million Airedale House, on the Royd Ings industrial estate, but in recent years many of its services -- including custody cells, CID and specialist units – have moved to Bradford.

Joanne Angus, of neighbouring Henry Street, has welcomed plans to demolish the Cavendish Street college building.

Commenting on the council’s planning website, she stated: “The building is an eyesore and has countless vandalism attacks. A car park or another open recreational space would be much better.”

West Yorkshire Police were unavailable for comment.