Keighley’s MP is demanding action by the town council as controversy continues to rage over its finances.

Kris Hopkins is calling on the body to open up its books for scrutiny by an independent accountant, and wants councillors to agree an emergency budget, detailing how debts will be addressed.

And he said that because there was presently no public body to which the town council was accountable, Bradford Council should take on the role.

Mr Hopkins has written to town clerk Miggy Bailey.

In February town councillors approved a record 72.6 per cent hike in the council tax precept, increasing the annual charge on Band B properties – the rating for most local homes – from £18.90 to £32.62. Earlier this month it was revealed that the North Street civic centre was more than £162,000 in the red.

The town council said the clerk had been in contact with the Yorkshire Local Councils Associations and National Association of Local Councils regarding Mr Hopkins’ letter, but that it had no response to make at this stage.