Further evidence of the blatant disregard of the needs of Keighley in the corridors of power in Bradford was demonstrated this week.

The great and the good from elected members to business leaders, to those involved in the strategic visions for the future of the Bradford Metropolitan area and government departments rightly sprang into action as soon as it was announced that 470 jobs were to be lost at Pace Micro Technology in Saltaire.

There is no denying the job losses will make a huge dent in the local economy and affect the lives of many families and neighbouring businesses. It is a serious blow to the area.

Yet just a ten minute drive down the road, when it was announced that up to 68 jobs may go with the closure of a rubber compound factory the silence from City Hall was deafening.

The closure will hit those employees' families just as hard. It will have similar effects on the local economy - but who cares? We do. Those involved in business in Keighley do. Keighley TUC does.

The odds are that there'll be those at the top based in Bradford who don't even know about the closure of the factory at Alston Road.

Just what does Keighley have to do to be heard? When will acknowledgement be given to the fact that this town and the surrounding area is an equal partner in the Metropolitan area and has the right to be treated as such? The fact that not one statement has been issued speaks for itself.

Those behind the 20-20 Vision initiative need to visit the opticians so they can see further than Saltaire and Bingley. They could do worse than get their hearing checked at the same time.