FOR me, the magical days between Christmas and the New Year are like no others in the rest of the year.

The world seems to be on half pace and if you are lucky you get the chance to reflect a little about the year just gone and make some plans for the twelve months ahead.

Leaving aside the Brexit debates for the holiday period here are my ten ambitions for 2019 in Keighley which I will be working on once the New Year dawns:

* To get the final go-ahead for a brand new police station in the centre of Keighley on the site of the old college building which is due to be demolished. West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council are currently in advanced negotiations. A new police headquarters would be an important boost in the fight against crime, especially in the town centre.

* To persuade the Environment Agency to turn down an environmental licence for the incinerator – a decision is expected in the summer or autumn.

* Bradford Council to revise down its target for housebuilding in Keighley constituency in line with new Government guidance. This will help protect the greenbelt.

* The completion of the transfer of assets such as community halls and toilets from Bradford Council to local parish councils and organisations. The opening of Low Wood Scout Activity Centre on the site of the old Riddlesden Golf Club was a good example in 2018. A new future for the Tourist Information Centre in Haworth would be a good start to 2019.

* A new beginning for Keighley Cougars under new ownership. Serious talks can then begin on improving the whole site as a centre for sporting activity, not just for the benefit of the rugby league club but also Steeton AFC and Keighley Cricket Club.

* The completion at last of the study concerning a safe pedestrian route for passengers walking from Silsden to the railway station and a definite plan for the future. The construction of a path from the hospital to the railway station.

* More events which bring people from all communities together – the big screen showing of the England semi-final match at Cougar Park did just this last July and the new parkrun at Cliffe Castle is attracting all comers.

* An end to damaging rail strikes on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines and improvements to punctuality with the introduction of new trains. The approval by ministers of the case for the restoration of the Skipton-Colne railway link.

* More money for Keighley schools, the police and Airedale Hospital as pressure to end austerity grows.

* Investment in the retail heart of Keighley with new occupiers of the old Marks and Spencer building a priority.