A Keighley private hire firm claims it is being prevented from parking vehicles on its own land.

Crown Private Hire, in Alice Street, says part of the wide pavement in front of its premises actually comprises its forecourt. It has argued that it was originally given permission to park three cars at a time on this patch of land. However, company owner, Ali Raza, said that for the last six to eight weeks council wardens have threatened to ticket cars parked in this area.

He said: “It’s affecting the business, because when customers see no cars parked outside they think Crown isn’t operating any more. They’re so used to seeing cars outside.”

Canon Michael McCreadie, of the nearby St Anne’s Catholic Church, said he had been made aware of the firm’s situation and had written to Keighley Town Council to see if it could help resolve the issue. The town council’s watch and transport committee chairman, Councillor Graham Mitchell, said: “It needs addressing, but there’s probably no easy answer.”

Bradford Council said the road in front of the private hire firm was a highway, so was subject to the same laws as any other public highway.