The sighs of relief when Keighley's new Metro bus station opens in less than two weeks will echo round the town.

It will mean that buses will come off the streets, passengers will have somewhere much more friendly and comfortable to wait, and the temporary stops and shelters will be removed.

Why the excitement over a new bus station? Keighley & District Travel rightly say the terminal is worthy of the town, and they are taking the opportunity to introduce a new package of services. Metro, too, are delighted with the development.

But the new station is much more than just a building.

It is a marker for the potential future prosperity and regeneration of the town centre which should be recognised by all concerned. Look at the interest the naming of the public area between the station and the Post Office has caused.

No doubt there will be those who will scoff at the comment made in another story by Paul Brookes, director of the Capital of Culture bid, when he says the potential is there for Keighley to become one of Yorkshire's renaissance towns.

There is, he says, a sense of confidence to be gained from the fact that something positive is happening. He is honest enough to say that even if the bid fails there will still be a knock-on effect.

Being part of the bid means that the name of the town is now highlighted in reports. It will put Keighley's assets under the noses of those who may be unaware of what is on offer.

In the coming weeks and months other developments in Keighley will come on stream. It is not going to be all plain sailing, with pundits predicting a general slow down in business this year.

It is a matter of belief, having vision and realising just what Keighley has achieved and will continue to achieve. So let's applaud the bus station development, with the

hope that others may follow Metro's investment lead.