Local MP Robbie Moore has renewed his calls for Bradford Council to urgently release the £2.25 million allocated through the Keighley Towns Fund for the redevelopment of the Danny Jones stand at Cougar Park.
The call follows the announcement that Keighley Cougars owners Ryan O’Neil and Kaue Garcia are to step down after seven years at the helm of the club, a period during which they have overseen significant progress both on and off the pitch and helped strengthen the club’s position within the community.
The £2.25 million was allocated to the club back in 2022, through the Keighley Towns Fund, via the previous Conservative Government to redevelop the Danny Jones Stand. But nearly four years later, Bradford Council, which is the overseeing accountable body, has yet to release the funds, delaying yet another regeneration project and holding back vital investment in the club and the wider community.
Robbie Moore said:
“The Keighley Cougars have been a cornerstone of our community for generations. Redevelopment of the Danny Jones Stand is mission critical for ensuring Cougar Park is there for all to benefit from long into the future.
Back in 2022, I secured £2.2 million for the club through the Towns Fund from the previous Conservative government. That money was awarded because of the club's importance to the community, and the role sport plays in enhancing our town. But still to this day, Bradford Council, who form the accounting body, are yet to sign off the project and release the funds. It is no wonder that faith in the Council is at an all-time low.
I'm calling Bradford Council to release our funds with immediate effect, so that redevelopment of the stand can fit in around the League season. I do not want the Council using change in any ownership at the Club as some excuse not to award the funds they have been sitting on for the last four years.”
