PLANS for a new multi-million pound business park in Keighley have been welcomed by the town mayor.

Councillor Javaid Akhtar said progress on developing derelict land between Keighley Fire Station and Dalton Lane showed that businesses are confident about the town’s future.

He hopes ongoing negotiations between Turner Developments and Bradford Council – who each own part of the site – prove successful.

Turner hopes to develop business units on both its own ‘Worthington’ land and the neighbouring site of the former Keighley College Harold town annex, owned by the council.

The plan has already attracted strong interest from two major companies wishing to relocate, and names are expected to be announced within weeks

Cllr Akhtar said: “I hope Bradford Council can make this a reality with the developers. It can only be good for the economy and the people of Keighley.

“Anything that brings investment is good. Developers are showing confidence in Keighley – they are willing to spend lots of money.”