CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to keep-up the battle to protect Keighley’s ‘green space’.

Bradford Council wants to build a multi-million pound health and wellbeing centre on the former college site, in North Street.

But opponents say the land should be retained as an open area.

The Conservative group on the council has questioned the Labour-run authority’s commitment to “genuine consultation” with residents over the issue.

Keighley Central councillor Mohammed Nazam said: “It is clear to me that the overwhelming and very strongly-held view of the people of Keighley and surrounding areas is that this site should be retained as a green space to be enjoyed by local families, particularly children.

“The recent restrictions on the ability of families and friends to get together and go outside has increased people’s appreciation of green open spaces and leisure opportunities generally.

“Also, it has been recognised by health practitioners for decades now that as well as providing an amenity value, open green spaces have a beneficial effect on the mental health of those who take advantage of them and their provision in urban areas should thus be prioritised.

“I find it concerning that Bradford Council appears to be suggesting to the residents of Keighley that they have a straight choice between an open green space or a health centre.”

Cllr Nazam says there are “numerous” brownfield sites in Keighley where the centre could be built.

He added that a Conservative proposal to allow a petition – signed by over 2,000 people in support of the green space – to be considered by Keighley Area Committee had been “ignored”and that it would instead go before the executive.

“Not one of the councillors who will consider this petition is from the Keighley area,” he said.

“My colleagues and I have discussed this situation and we will pressure the Labour members of the executive to listen to local people and protect this oasis of green space in central Keighley. We will not be walking away on this.”

The town’s Conservative MP, Robbie Moore, is supporting efforts to protect the site and launched a #KeepItGreen initiative.

But those in favour of building a centre on the land say it will offer a huge range of health and wellbeing services.

The town’s six Labour councillors issued a joint statement in support of the scheme, saying the location earmarked for the development was the best place for the new provision.

Brendan Brown – chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – speaking on behalf of the health partners involved in the initiative, said the centre would bring a number of services and medical professionals under one roof.