A delegation led by Keighley Town Council is to voice its opposition to Bradford Council's plans to enlist a private partner to run public buildings.

Members of Keighley Town Council and local parish councils are to travel en masse to City Hall on September 16 to question Bradford Council chiefs about the asset management project.

The group of councillors -- who have formed under the banner of Local Councils Against the Asset Management Project -- will table five questions during the full council meeting.

The coalition of town and parish councils has accused Bradford Council of "selling off the family silver" by seeking a private partner to run public buildings.

Councillors claim the project was not opened up to public consultation before its launch earlier this summer. They also fear the move will jeopardise their chances of taking over management of local assets when they achieve quality council status.

Keighley town councillor Brian Hudson said: "Each town and parish council is asking all of its members to support the questions that are going to be asked in City Hall. We are also asking any individuals who would like to go to City Hall to contact us as we are looking to arrange transport.

"We are the first tier of local government but we are being ignored and fobbed off by Bradford and made to feel as though we are of no consequence. If this goes ahead there will be a knock-on effect for the tax payers of Bradford district. Bradford Council is going down a rocky road of actually having nothing left."

Bradford Council is seeking a private partner to refurbish and run its public buildings and leisure facilities for a set period of time.

Council chiefs say they would then buy back the rejuvenated facilities when the contract expires.

They are also looking to sell off surplus assets across the district to raise cash for the venture.

However, executive member for economy, Cllr Simon Cooke, said the council would not be selling off its "crown jewels".

Cllr Cooke told the KN earlier this year: "This is not an exercise in selling off lots and lots of properties, particularly ones that provide services, and whatever decision is made, the council will not lose control of its assets.

"If we are successful in getting a deal for leisure facilities with easy management, we will be able to deliver that successfully without losing control of the buildings."

A list of bidders is to be announced next month, with the contract awarded to the preferred bidder in April next year.

Keighley Town Council will be continuing its protest by setting up its own "estate agents" stall at Keighley Show tomorrow, where "For Sale" signs will be put on pictures of the town's assets.

Anyone interested in travelling to the meeting on September 16 should contact town council clerk Miggy Bailey on 01535 618252.