Keighley's "home rule" campaign has the support of all parties, as well as people with no political connections.

That was the message from campaigners' spokesman Tony Wright as he presented a 5,200-signature petition to Bradford Council.

He told councillors last week that 95 per cent of people contacted had supported moves to set up a town council in Keighley.

Mr Wright, secretary of the Keighley Voice group, said people felt strongly about Keighley's loss of identity.

He said metropolitan councils had been established more than 25 years ago at a time when the phrase "big is beautiful" was fervently believed in government circles.

Mr Wright added: "In places where town councils have been longer established, such as Otley, they have proved extremely popular. Otley is poised to take over the cleaning of its own streets from the parent authority, Leeds. I understand stirrings are even being heard in Shipley and Bingley."

After Mr Wright's speech, Bradford Council referred the matter to Keighley Area Panel, which is made up of councillors representing the town.

They will meet on May 3 to discuss how best to gather the views of all adults in Keighley, such as by holding a postal ballot.

The consultation would cover all 32,000 adults in the areas to be covered by a town council. The area is Keighley South, West and North wards, plus areas of the Worth Valley -- including Oakworth -- not covered by parish councils

By the middle of July the results must be sent to the government, which has the final say on whether Keighley gets a town council.

Bradford Council would still rule Keighley but could hand over some responsibilities and budgets to a new town council. The powers -- identical to existing parish councils -- could include playgrounds, parks, street cleaning, lighting, road safety, libraries and markets.