AFTER reading the recent letters and comments on the Keighley News website regarding the new cemetery near the tarn, I felt duty-bound to write a few words of self-reflection as a resident of Keighley.

I was born in Keighley and have spent the majority of my life working and living here. As with many places we have problems, but I sincerely and genuinely feel that the vast majority of the local populous is hardworking and a positive force for good.

Historically, Keighley residents have been citizens of significant and consistent contributions. The sacrifice of time, energy and wealth has been a testament that makes Keighley a great town. Some of the greatest assets – such as Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley Library and now the new Keighley cemetery – will benefit and uphold the ethos of giving back to the community and uplifting your fellow man who may be less fortunate. This is a cornerstone of a thriving community and a basis of equal progression for all citizens.

These assets should be a source of pride, envy and point of reference to positivism within Keighley. Investments and initiatives which provide services for Keighley constituents should be a source of great pride and honour.

Deeply regrettable and disappointingly, some comments have been of negative connotations, to say the least.

Edward Said's model of 'Orientalism' describes and argues that the same minority of people and religion that some individuals would have condemned here is based on paradigms of the 'other'/or otherwise as an outsider, based on ideological myths (Said, 2003, P63).

Thus this sets the basis of distinction as a starting point.

Naturally, if one cannot contribute to society as a whole that benefits us, they should at least remain silent rather than having the opposite effect.

Adnan Mumtaz Ahmed, Keighley

* Email your letters to alistair.shand@keighleynews.co.uk