A KEIGHLEY councillor campaigning for Keighley to leave Bradford Council says the latest district council spending cuts prove the town would be better off under a new regime.

Councillor Peter Corkindale, who represents Keighley Town Council's Oakworth ward, said he was dismayed by the erosion of local services, which he argued showed that "bigger is not better".

Cllr Corkindale, who has previously called for Keighley to be included in a new Aire Valley and District Council, said: "No doubt they'll point to North Street improvements and Cliffe Castle, but of course those projects have been funded by the National lottery and the one-way gyratory is still awaited, something I'll believe when I see it.

"Bradford Council say they have to save £82 million. I'd ask what they've been spending it on up to now? Certainly not in Keighley if the roads and the footpaths are anything to go by.

"They are proposing handing over or closing community halls and closing the depot at Stockbridge. We can all guess what will happen to grit routes when that happens.

"Now they might be closing the council-run old people’s facilities at Fell Lane and Crossflatts.

"I believe that any and all services that aren't mandatory will either be axed or included in the new deal initiative, whereby parish councils or voluntary groups will be asked to take on such things as parks, public toilets, open spaces and woodlands.

"It's been shown that the two parliamentary constituencies of Keighley with Ilkley and Shipley are more than capable of paying their way.

"If my information is correct Bradford would also be better off, as it would qualify for extra government money as a deprived area, money that is at present not available as revenue from Keighley and Shipley prevents that. It is time to leave."