New campaign to keep Keighley's 'green space'

An online petition has so far been signed by more than 1,600 people.

And community leaders are backing calls for the North Street site, formerly home to the college, to be retained as an open area.

Bradford Council wants to build a public-sector hub, costing an estimated £19 million, on the land.

But ever since the prime plot was grassed over following the demolition of the old college building, there has been growing opposition to the proposed redevelopment of the site.

The e-petition has been set-up by a group known as Keighley's Urban Challenge.

Its members include businesswoman Mrs Stacey Bower, who told us: "Keighley has plenty of empty buildings that could accommodate a hub – why is it necessary to build a new one?

"The green space could be a real asset to the town.

"By providing benches and some trees, it has the potential to be a lovely area for families and children to enjoy – and with the new police station planned right behind the site, it would be a safe space.

"It would help attract visitors to the town centre and improve the environment – the planting of trees could help reduce air pollution.

"The site could be named in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.

"The pandemic and lockdown has brought home even more just how important it is for families and people generally to have access to parks and green areas.

"We're delighted with the initial response to the petition – and there has been a lot of interest on Facebook."

The petition can be signed at bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=282.

Keighley Town Council is also in favour of the green space being retained.

It has written to Bradford Council over the issue.

"We have vacant buildings which could be used as a hub," said the town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale.

"An urban green space would be a lovely amenity for people and it would sit 'hand in glove' with Town Hall Square."

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said it should be up to townspeople to decide what happens with the site.

He added: "Keighley should decide whether the land remains as green space – and whether or not that is dedicated in honour of a local hero. It should not be left to Bradford city councillors to decide how this land is used."

But Bradford Council says there are "no plans" to keep the green area as a park.

And it adds that all options for a memorial to Captain Sir Tom will be considered.

A spokesman said: "We are all immensely proud of Captain Tom and supportive of our brilliant NHS staff.

"There is Church Green within the town centre and Devonshire Park and Cliffe Castle on the outskirts, so we have plenty of excellent accessible green spaces for people to enjoy and there are no plans to convert the North Street site into a park.

"The public’s response to the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore has been overwhelming, as have the generous offers and suggestions. We are exploring all options to ensure that the district has a fitting tribute to this great Keighley-born man. Any decisions will be taken in consultation with his family."