PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on Bradford Council's budget proposals – including the plan to close Keighley tip.

The public has until January 25 to comment on the package of measures.

Anger erupted when it was revealed that the council intends shutting the household waste recycling centre in Royd Ings Avenue.

Members of the public, businesses, opposition councillors on the Labour-run local authority and MP Robbie Moore were amongst those who spoke out against the proposal – fearing it could lead to a surge in fly-tipping.

And fury continues to be vented.

This week, Andrew Foster – owner of furniture retailer Rooms, which has a store in Hanover Street, Keighley – said: "It is yet another facility set to be taken away from Keighley ­– there'll be nothing left in the town.

"The proposal just hasn't been thought through.

"It's suggested people can use the Sugden End site at Cross Roads instead, but traffic will be queuing back onto a busy main road which will create dangers.

"The increased travelling people will have to do to get to other centres will also make a mockery of the council's drive for clean air."

Bradford Council says the Royd Ings Avenue site is one of the smallest and least-used household waste recycling centres in the district.

It said that in developing the proposals, "every effort has been made to mitigate the impact by ensuring capacity at alternative sites".

The council stresses that the Keighley waste facility for businesses will be unaffected by the proposal. It says the transfer loading station, which includes the weighbridge, will remain operational.

As part of the proposed budget, it is also planned to close some council-owned offices in Bradford city centre.

And the amount paid by the district's taxpayers will rise by almost five per cent.

Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, says: "Times are incredibly difficult for the residents of our district. This proposed budget will continue to deliver vital services and invest in those needed by our most vulnerable.

"Council finances were already under pressure as a result of austerity, rising demand and increasing costs. Since 2011, Bradford Council has had to deliver £310 million of budget reductions.

"Please look at the proposals then feedback your thoughts. We will take all views into consideration when setting the budget."

For full details and to comment, visit bradford.gov.uk/budget, or for paper copies call 01274 431000.