THE shutting of Keighley’s Connexions young people’s careers and advice service could leave the town “barren”, claims a councillor.

Councillor Khadim Hussain said he was shocked to learn of the loss of the well-used facility in the town hall.

And he feared the closure – which will force teenagers to travel to Bradford for advice – would give further ammunition to ‘home rule’ campaigners.

Cllr Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central) said: “There are calls for Keighley to break with Bradford and the Council is fuelling those calls. It’s playing into their hands.

“Council facilities are being centralised and the police station is closing. The message from Bradford is the Keighley is being left barren.”

Bradford Council has revealed that Keighley Connexions will close next week due to budget reductions passed by councillors in February this year.

The Bradford Connexions office in Thornton Road will remain open to advice youngsters on jobs, training and issues affecting their lives.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson (Con, Craven) agreed the closure gave weight to arguments that Keighley and surrounding villages should become independent from Bradford.

He added: “It's time that those holding the purse strings in Bradford were told that enough is enough, and that local residents should not be expected to travel to access support and information.”

Councillor Adrian Farley (Lab, Keighley West) said he was disappointed that Connexions had to be relocated to Bradford.

But he added: “Given the enormity of the cuts that face the Council we’re having to make incredibly difficult decisions that none of us went into politics to make.”

“Local authorities are bearing the brunt of the government’s austerity programme and there doesn't seem to be any let-up for the foreseeable future. Keighley and Bradford seem to be forgotten.

Keighley MP John Grogan said the closure was bad news for young people in Keighley who were seeking advice on their first career move.

The Labour MP said: “It is another example why the Chancellor of the Exchequer must put an end to austerity in his November budget.

“Councils like Bradford need to be properly funded – the cuts in local government have gone on long enough.”

Councillor Zafar Ali, (Con, Keighley Central) said the facility had benefited many young people in the Keighley area seeking advice on employment and education.

He said: “This is a blow for the youngsters who are leaving schools and looking for jobs. It casts a dark gloom on the situation. There is a dire need for help for them.

“Some young people can’t afford to go to Bradford and spent the whole day when they have other commitments.”