Report this comment
  • "If Ann Cryer had spoke up earlier about this vile practice then the EDL would not have had the opportunity to come to Keighley. She knew that this perverted practice was going on years before yet only ever spoke lightly about the subject. Sometimes you need a few shock waves sending through the establishment to make politicians wake up. Another thing, I keep hearing community leaders this, community leaders that, it is not their job to decide what is wrong and what isn't, we have laws in this Country for that, the Police chiefs need to get off their backsides and stop being pathetic in dealing with this crime."
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory

  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Town is united in grooming campaign

8:52am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Keighley By Alistair Shand

Church and community leaders in Keighley have combined to condemn the “vile crime” of grooming children for sex.

More than two dozen of the town’s most influential people have put their names to a letter describing the practice as “morally, legally and spiritually wrong”.

And they urge anyone with suspicions about possible perpetrators to contact the police.

Signatories to the letter – sent to the Keighley News and carried in full on page 12 – include MP Kris Hopkins, district and town councillors and leading figures from the clergy, mosques and local organisations.

The unprecedented initiative comes just two days before the far-right English Defence League (EDL) is due to hold a demonstration in the town against alleged sexual grooming.

This week Mr Hopkins said he deeply resented the EDL’s decision to come to Keighley and called on the community to “hold its nerve”.

He said: “These individuals and their racist views are simply not welcome in Keighley. I have worked closely with the police over recent weeks on this matter and, regrettably, current legislation does not provide for such a gathering to be banned. However, I have total confidence in Chief Superintendent Ian Kennedy and his officers to deal professionally and appropriately with the situation as they find it on Saturday.

“What the rest of us must not do is respond in a manner which inadvertently furthers the malevolent aims of the EDL.

“They want to create division, bitterness and hatred in Keighley but we must not let them succeed.

“I would ask local people to go about their normal business, to support local retailers and let the police do their job.”

District councillor Abid Hussain, a leading member of Keighley Muslim Association, appealed to the Muslim community to show restraint.

Coun Hussain said: “Everybody has a right to protest and we cannot stop this protest, but members of the Muslim community will be concerned.

“I don't think anyone wants the EDL in Keighley but we are hoping for a peaceful demonstration.

"The message for the Muslim community, which will be passed on to all the mosques, will be to make sure there is no confrontation."

The EDL’s Yorkshire division has announced it plans to hold a peaceful demonstration at Church Green at 2pm against allegations of the sexual grooming of white girls by Asian men.

The event was planned after police made ten arrests across Bradford district - the majority in Keighley - of men suspected of grooming a 14-year-old girl.

They have all been released on bail as an investigation continues.

The protest is expected to be heavily policed and demonstrators arriving by train will be escorted by officers.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We have a great deal of experience in handling such events and appropriate police resources will be available on the day."

Town centre traders met yesterday to discuss the situation and Bradford Council is staffing a helpline - 01274 430900 - for any businesses wanting information and advice.

Local Businesses

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree