COUNCILLORS discussed plans to have a memorial stone in memory of Keighley historian Ian Dewhirst placed in Town Hall Square.

The idea was put forward at a meeting of Keighley Town Council's Allotments and Landscapes Committee yesterday evening. (Feb 11)

Committee chairman Cllr John Kirby and gardener Steve Thorpe presented the proposal to committee members.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Kirby said the committee was very supportive. But he stressed no decision had been taken yet, and the design of any memorial would have to be finalised.

"As a committee we think it would be fantastic to have a memorial in the square but we've deferred this until we can have some input from Ian's family," he explained. "Also, the town council has been asked to look into having a memorial plaque in the library, so we don't want to come into conflict with that."

Deputy town mayor Cllr Peter Corkindale said: "We need to speak to Ian's family first. But because of who he was and what he meant to our town it would be remiss of us not to do something in his memory."

Mr Dewhirst died last month, aged 82. His funeral takes place at Trinity Baptist & United Reformed Church, in Fell Lane, on Friday February 15 at 11am. It will be followed by a private cremation.