A PETITION calling for a new Bingley town council has been launched at a public meeting at Bingley Arts Centre attended by around 140 people.

Already signed by nearly 200 people, it is organised by Bingley Community Council Group (BCCG), which is campaigning for an independent body to cover Bingley, Cottingley, Crossflatts, Eldwick, Gilstead and Micklethwaite.

Ros Dawson, who chairs BCCG, said they would be holding further meetings across the area.

She said: “If Bingley had a Town Council we would have a voice.

"By law we would also have to be consulted about many issues by Bradford Council and having a town council would enable Bradford to consult us regularly as a community - which it cannot do at present," Mrs Dawson said.

“We are very heartened by the response so far.

"Many people in Bingley and neighbouring villages want to see change and action to address the pressing issues our communities face and to create and carry out a vision and plan," she said.

Shipley MP Philip Davies told the audience he believed Bingley to be a distinct community with its own identity and needs which is being let down by Bradford Council.

However, Mr Davies also listed some pros and cons to having a town council.

“Yes there are lots of good things about a town council, but there are some downsides too and I want everyone to go into this with their eyes wide open.”

He continued: “I believe in localism, it’s what the Government is promoting, because I want to see decisions taken at the most local level. I’m all for devolving power down.

"But a local council is not a panacea, a cure all," he warned.

Mr Davies said that he would support the decision made by residents on the proposal for a town council and that he would always try to get the best deal for Bingley.

READ MORE ON BINGLEY TOWN COUNCIL

The petition for a Town Council must be signed by 10 per cent of the 18,427 electorate in the area to be covered by the new council and then presented to Bradford Council.

Terry Brown, vice chairman of Bingley Civic Trust, told the audience that the Trust backs the creation of a local council because it would have powers and authority.

“ A local Town Council would be consulted, not only on planning but on other issues affecting the town…Bradford is only six miles down the road, but does it have the interests of Bingley in mind?” Mr Brown said.

The dates of the forthcoming public meetings about the petition for Bingley Town Council are: Cottingley Cornerstones on Friday, October 17 at 7pm; St Aidan's Church Hall, Crossflatts on Monday, October 20 at 7pm; St Wilfred's Church Hall, Gilstead, on Tuesday, October 21 at 1pm, and Eldwick Memorial Hall, on Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm.