Keighley's mayor has called for a change of attitude from colleagues he blames for disharmony within the town council.

The body was hailed as an historic new voice for Keighley when it was launched last year, but has been dogged by bitter squabbles.

Councillor Martin Leathley - who retains the mayoral role until the first meeting of the newly elected council next week - said a small minority had been responsible for the disharmony.

And he has condemned comments made by long-time political colleague Barry Thorne at last Thursday night's election count in Keighley.

Speaking after retaining his Keighley West seat in the district council elections, Councillor Thorne said town councillors should start working together instead of fighting each other.

The remarks caused great upset to many town council members, said Councillor Leathley.

He said: "Barry Thorne is an old friend and excellent representative for the people of Keighley. However, many of our members were very upset by his remarks at the count.

"It made it appear as if all members of Keighley Town Council were equally culpable in any disagreements that may have occurred, but that is not the case.

"A small minority of councillors, for reasons best known to themselves, have, in my opinion, been responsible for a lack of harmony that has tainted our first year.

"I find it particularly sad that they are mainly comprised of people with whom I campaigned for the re-establishment of a town council.

"Having received a strong negative message from the electorate and with a new mayor and administrator to take over, I hope they will reconsider their attitude in the new municipal year.

"I am at least sure that the majority of my colleagues will work just as hard for Keighley as they did in the past year.

"Despite any problems we may have had, the town council did get off to a good start and is adding value in many areas to the town's life - Keighley Day and support for Britain in Bloom are just two examples.

"Our relationship with Bradford Council is continuing to improve and we hope to have representation on the Area Committee before the year is out.

"Local government must be recast into smaller, more responsive, more manageable units, and the town council is a vital part of that process.

"I remain optimistic that substantial progress will be made in the oncoming year."

l A full round-up of the election results can be found on page 9.