Baildon could get its own mayor and boost its status and economy by shedding its historic parish status and becoming a town, say local councillors.

They have discussed the proposal and it is likely to be raised at the annual parish meeting next Tuesday, said parish deputy chairman Joe Ashton.

“The Local Government Act gives the parish the power to determine if it wants to be a town simply if a majority of councillors take that decision,” said Mr Ashton.

“The thinking is it might be good for our economy if we put ourselves on the map a bit better and might bring other resources our way.

“For example, we’ve no empty shop units and saying that we are a town where all the shops are fully occupied is much more impressive than saying the same of a village.”

Mr Ashton said Baildon was one of the biggest parishes in Bradford.

He said: “We have a population of about 16,000 which is really too large for a village. It is even bigger than Ilkley and certainly bigger than Silsden and Denholme – both of which are already classed as towns.

“Baildon also has an industrial area, so ‘town’ would be a much more realistic title.”

However he was keen to stress that the actual character of Baildon would not be altered.

“Of course we would maintain the village atmosphere – we’ve no desire to lose the quaint feel of the place which people find so desirable.”

Mr Ashton said that town status would not bring councillors any more powers than they already have but the parish chairman would become a town mayor.

“Shipley and Baildon share a manager as do Keighley and Ilkley and it would be good to have someone who could act as a co-ordinator,” he said.

Bradford district Tory councillor Debbie Davies has previously inquired about the possibility of a town manager and said she was interested in the idea of town status if it would yield real results.

“If it can bring economic benefit, then that’s obviously a good thing – but not if it’s just an ego trip,” she said.

Baildon Annual Parish Meeting is open to all residents and takes place in the Ian Clough Hall on Tuesday starting with light refreshments at 7pm.