TACKLING the scourge of fly-tipping, boosting jobs and promoting community pride are among priorities set out for Keighley.

The objectives are contained in a sweeping new three-year plan for the town and its surrounding area.

Other priorities include improving the quality of – and access to – rented accommodation, better access to mental and physical health support, partnership working between places of education and increasing recycling rates.

Those involved in drawing-up the so-called Locality Plan included Bradford Council, district ward councillors, partner organisations and community groups.

Data from across the Keighley constituency – which includes Ilkley as well as Keighley Central, East and West wards, Craven and Worth Valley – was examined when identifying objectives.

A public consultation was carried out. And the plan – which is the first of five being developed for each constituency area across the Bradford district – has been agreed by Keighley Area Committee, and presented to the council executive.

Worth Valley councillor Russell Brown, chair of Keighley Area Committee, said: "The Keighley constituency is a place to be proud of. It has a unique appeal based on traditions of industry, invention and enterprise, alongside a rich cultural heritage and an authentic down-to-earth community spirit – and with the great outdoors literally on the doorstep.

"This plan seeks to harness the positive energy built-up in the Keighley constituency over the past few years and build a better future.

"We wanted the Keighley Locality Plan, which has been developed with input from across the whole area, to be collectively ambitious and forward thinking. Our vision is to work together to build safe, strong and active communities where local voices are heard and citizens are empowered to work alongside public agencies and partners to address the needs and issues of local people."

Councillor Susan Hinchliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said it was "committed to continue to invest in Keighley’s future" and that the Locality Plan would help deliver the "best possible outcomes".

She added: "Developments in recent years have included a £10 million investment package to cut congestion on Hard Ings Road, a new advanced manufacturing centre of excellence and progress on development zones, offering more attractive locations for local business.

"Town centre improvements have been complemented by a £2m heritage shops improvement programme, and WiFi delivered in partnership with Keighley BID.

"Cliffe Castle Park has had a £5.5m upgrade, Oakworth Crematorium has been overhauled and sporting facilities at Marley have been revamped. Silsden has a new school, and Oakworth has brand new extra care housing. The fifth biggest Towns Fund deal in the country has been secured for Keighley.

"But there’s still more to do. We look forward to new state-of-the-art health facilities, the return of the police station to the town centre and new developments on Worth Way and at Providence Park, Dalton Lane.

"Bradford Council-backed master planning will continue to help shape the development of the town and support the needs of business, whilst Towns Fund projects will start to deliver on skills, jobs and digital infrastructure. And we will continue to back the case for investment in Airedale Hospital.

"This Locality Plan sets out how all those involved in the future of the area will work collaboratively and in integrated ways across the different organisations to deliver the best possible outcomes for the whole of the Keighley constituency."

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell, says he is hopeful the Locality Plan will "enable a positive step forward for the town".

He added: "I am very much supportive of the key priorities of the plan – especially those focusing on improving access to mental/physical health services as well as celebrating community strengths, promoting local pride, improving recycling rates and tackling fly-tipping.

"I know the town council would be happy to help in any way it can to make these efforts a success, and I am glad that locals were rightly consulted to help shape this important work."