The Commission for Racial Equality has outlawed the setting up of separate new Race Equality Councils for Keighley and Bradford.

The claim was made by the leader of Bradford council's Tory group this week as she outlined new measures to tackle race problems across the district.

Keighley REC office was forced to shut earlier this year after its parent group in Bradford lost funding in the wake of a police probe into financial irregularities.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, pictured, speaking to the full council on Tuesday, revealed details of a temporary service that will be provided until a full review of the district's race-equality needs can be carried out.

She promised that Keighley would not be overlooked, adding: "Consideration of the needs of Keighley will be high on the list."

The "interim arrangement" has been the subject of political rows in recent weeks, as well as discussions by voluntary groups and support agencies in Keighley.

A 12-strong Keighley steering group -- supported by 50 local organisations -- has for several months been working towards setting up a separate Race Equality Council for the town.

Cllr Eaton's announcement of the temporary Bradford-wide body has meant these Keighley efforts have been put on hold.

Cllr Eaton says: "It was the Commission for Racial Equality which strongly advised interim arrangements should be made which did not create the establishment of a new organisation in Keighley.

"The CRE felt that during a far-reaching review a new organisation would cause confusion."

Cllr Eaton says the interim service --- a partnership between the council and Commission for Racial Equality -- will provide a professional service for the people of Keighley as well as the rest of the district.

The main focus will be to help people who face racial discrimination, and there will be easy access to an experienced tribunal caseworker.

Cllr Eaton accepts that this is different to the service previously available in Keighley, which included support with benefits, immigration and nationality issues.

Cllr Eaton says these services -- including help with form-filling -- will now have to be carried out by other local advice agencies.

The new race equality worker will build links with other local agencies so people needing help can be referred to the appropriate place.

Cllr Eaton says: "Much hard work has been undertaken by people and organisations that are concerned about discrimination and equality issues in general."

The steering group working to set up a separate Keighley REC also planned to concentrate on race equality issues.

Other interested parties in Keighley are pushing for the immigration and nationality work -- carried out for many years by Keighley race equality boss Zafar Ali -- to be reinstated.