Bracken Bank neighbourhood housing office will close today and its staff move into central Keighley.

The aim is to free up housing staff to spend more time visiting council-house tenants in their own homes.

There will also be surgeries three times a week in a Bracken Bank community centre to handle residents' concerns.

Other council workers will also handle housing queries such as the estate's neighbourhood warden and wardens in sheltered housing.

The closure of the office was this week slammed by the former chairman of Bracken Bank and District Community Association David Weston.

Mr Weston, of Elmwood Road, claims there has been no consultation with residents over the closure plans.

The council was due to host a public meeting on the estate this Wednesday, just two days before the closure.

Mr Weston is particularly scathing about the plans to hold surgeries in the Sue Belcher Community Centre.

He said: "Who is going to want to talk about their private concerns in the main hall where everyone can hear?

"The council claims this will free up staff, but they don't only deal with repairs. What about old folk -- how will they manage?

"It's just the thin end of the wedge. Rents are going up and up and our services are getting less and less."

A council spokesman this week confirmed that the two housing officers based in Bracken Bank will move to Keighley Town Hall from today.

"One of the aims of closing the office is to allow staff to spend more time on the estates, visiting people in their homes, rather than being office-based.

"A regular series of surgeries will be held on the estate and tenants will be told of the sessions as they are set up.

"A wide variety of staff will still see tenants. Emergency calls can be made to the Town Hall on 01535 618181."