Keighley must hitch itself more to Bradford if racism, segregation and fear are to be wiped out.

People must come together in order to combat growing race, ethnic, religious and social divisions.

This is one of the key findings of a shocking new report into race relations across the district.

It was launched in the same week as riots in Bradford, and on the day Keighley homes received voting forms for a town council referendum.

The new report, Community Pride Not Prejudice, reveals that both whites and Asians believe there are serious racial problems across the district.

Weak politicians, frightened police and dictatorial community leaders are said to contribute to the crisis.

"White flight" sees the middle-class head to the outskirts, leaving an underclass of poor whites and Asians.

Meanwhile young people fall into crime and drugs or join gangs due to frustration, boredom and racial discrimination.

The report, prepared by the top-level Bradford Race Review team led by race relations expert Sir Herman Ouseley, says Keighley and Bradford are gripped by fear.

Race fears stop people tackling wrongdoing, talking openly about problems, stopping segregation in single-race schools or tackling gang culture.

The report says there needs to be a "powerful unifying vision" for the district, coupled with strong political and community leadership.

It adds: "People in Keighley see themselves as totally separate from Bradford, and there are many other villages also reluctant to share any association with Bradford as an identity. The challenge is to reverse the trend of 'them and us' and promote a sense of pride in the district and its people."

The report says everyone in the district - including Keighley and surrounding villages - are "Bradfordians" who must forge a single common identity.

It adds: "Like it or not, essentially all residents of the district are Bradfordian regardless of gender, race, culture or religion."

Community Pride Not Prejudice makes several recommendations including new initiatives to promote diversity, include every section of the population and wipe out discrimination.

The report states: "Barriers can begin to fall when people feel able to discuss, listen and learn in an environment that allows them to make mistakes and learn from them."