It was always going to be a difficult birth, especially with so many people waiting in the wings to see the baby thrown out with the bath water.

But thankfully the fledgling Keighley Town Council is now growing in stature and getting on with life. It is also showing it has a true democratic heart, as can be seen, for example, by the healthy debate on supporting the renaming of the local police division.

It is quite true that the identity of the district needs to be kept and historic links preserved, but the Town Council has had the foresight to take in the wider picture and look to the future.

For the future of Keighley lies in the Airedale District - hopefully as the lead body, based on its unbeatable record of partnership working and willingness to take on challenges.

It is not a case of abandoning the town's name, more a case of Keighley staking its claim to a rightful place in the wider district.

During the debate Cllr Zaman hit the nail on the head when he raised the question of placing more importance on a name than on the problems faced by the police. As Chief Superintendent Sunderland points out, there will still be Keighley Police Station.

This newspaper has fought for Keighley and will continue to do so in the firm belief that there is a bright future ahead. Keighley Town Council has a dynamic role to play in that partnership development.

As for preserving and celebrating Keighley's past, at present the Town Council is doing just that through its inspired move to hold a Keighley Day. Cllr Joyce Newton says it will be a great opportunity for everybody to celebrate what Keighley is.

Linked with the ideas for brightening up the town through Keighley in Bloom, the Town Council is sowing the seeds of success.

There will be thorny issues to deal with, but the roots of local democracy are taking a firm hold and getting stronger by the day.