BOOKMAKER Betfred is in the winner's enclosure after planners agreed to its redevelopment of Keighley's former town centre post office.

The building is in Towngate opposite the bus station and a mix of six full and part-time jobs will be created as it becomes a bookmakers.

It has stood unused since the Post Office moved controversially into WH Smiths in the Airedale Shopping Centre,

Warrington-based Betfred has said it will invest £150,000 and turn the unit into a modern attractive betting shop, hopefully within six months.

Ar a meeting at Keighley Town Hall today, members of Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Committee today supported officers' recommendations and approved the application.

Committee member Councillor Abid Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central) said: "This is a key building for the town and I'm delighted that it is going to be used again."

"Everyone is aware of this shop, and while I'm not a big fan of betting, we do need to see the town lit up and more businesses coming to Keighley.

"We don't want to become a ghost town."