Keighley Town Council has elected a new leader

Councillor Nancy Holdsworth (pictured) was elected Mayor at the annual general meeting of the council at the town hall, last week.

She said: "Thank you for trusting me with this challenge and exciting position.

"A lot of us made mistakes last year, but we are fortunate to have a second chance to make this work. I have a lot to learn and I will make mistakes, but with your help, goodwill and patience at the end of this year let the people of Keighley say it was money well spent."

Originally from Dewsbury, Councillor Holdsworth has lived in East Morton for six years.

After the town council meeting she said: "I have got a lot of affection for this area and have been interested in local politics since I was about 18 or 19.

"I think that people should put something back and do something for their community. People are very happy to criticise but it's a shame when apathy rules."

Councillor Holdsworth is married to dental surgeon Roger Holdsworth and they have three children, Oliver - who is also a Keighley town councillor - Abigail and Joe.

She continues: "I used to be a teacher but I don't work anymore. I am expecting to put a lot of time into the council though.

"My main priority is to make sure this council works together for the good of Keighley rather than in-fighting and back biting.

"I am optimistic about it and I feel there are so many positive things we could do as a council - we would like to see services being dealt with in Keighley as opposed to Bradford.

"I am going to try my hardest to make sure the council works on the issues and the things that the people of Keighley want to see doing. It will be a challenge and an interesting time and I am looking forward to it."

Councillor Amjad Zaman was elected as deputy mayor. He said: "There was a mistake on some literature I sent out, saying I was representing the Asian community.

"I want to make it clear that I am not just working for the Asian community but the whole community, and I want to stress that."

At the town council meeting on Thursday former chairman of the finance committee Councillor John Philip also updated the town council on its financial situation.

He said: "We have £74,000 from the precept. We have £65,000 from Bradford Met as well, and we have £45,000 carried forward.

"We are in a relatively secure position, which gives us several options. We can continue to support small projects, take on something bigger or save it and precept next year.

"These options will need to be discussed as we progress."