Keighley’s MP Robbie Moore has joined forces with recently elected Keighley Central councillor, Mohammed Nazam to protect the green space on North Street.
The land, which is owned by Bradford Council, is the former site of Keighley College and Keighley Grammar School. The land has been earmarked for development for a number of years by Bradford Council. The view is in direct contrast to the views of local residents who believe this space should be kept as open green space for the use of the Keighley community.
A recent petition by local residents to Bradford Council was set up which has so far attracted just under 2,000 signatures in opposition to the council’s plans to develop the land. Support around the town is growing for this land to remain as a community asset for all to enjoy.
Councillor Mohammed Nazam has joined local MP Robbie Moore’s ‘Keep it Green’ campaign, and both are now urging local residents to back the campaign and make their views known so the strength of feeling can be made clear in Westminster too.
A recent survey undertaken by the Keighley-based Captain Tom Memorial Commission showed that a majority of people were in favour of turning the land into a memorial park in memory of Captain Tom, with some suggesting that the park should be dedicated to both Captain Tom and local historian Ian Dewhirst.
Commenting Robbie Moore said: “The future of this land should be decided by the people of Keighley, not by Bradford. It is clear from what I have heard that the people of Keighley want this land to remain as open green space, landscaped for us all to be able to enjoy. A place for people to relax and reflect, and for wildlife to prosper. Ignoring these wishes would be another failure to listen by Bradford Council.
“There are plenty of brown field sites in and around Keighley which are prime for development. Let’s use these sites, and treasure our limited green spaces, especially the green space right in the centre of town.”
Commenting local District Councillor Naz Mohammed said: “The vast majority of people in Keighley want this space remaining as a green space. Along with Robbie Moore MP, I strongly oppose any development on this site and would like to send a clear message to the Labour administration at Bradford Council that they should “listen to voice of Keighley and keep it green”.
Local residents can support the campaign by visiting robbiemoore.org.uk/KeepItGreen.
