MAYOR of Keighley Martin Leathley has delivered a withering attack on his detractors at the end of his first year in office.

Councillor Leathley slammed un-named councillors who he claimed had made the town council's last 12 months "difficult" and "unpleasant".

The comments came at the end of last Thursday's town council meeting, following a vote of thanks from Cllr Mick Westerman who praised Cllr Leathley's stewardship over the last year.

"I do appreciate the support of the majority of colleagues here," replied Cllr Leathley. "It's been a difficult year and I do appreciate the support and goodwill of members.

"There are, however, a minority of people who have done everything they can to make the working of this council difficult, unpleasant and impractical.

"I don't know what the rest of you think but I consider them to be beyond the democratic pale."

Cllr Leathley's words brought scathing criticism from former town councillor David Samuels, who shouted from the public gallery "You should be ashamed of yourself".

Although Cllr Leathley made no reference to specific individuals, he has clashed throughout the year with several members including Cllr Brian Hudson and Cllr Tony Wright over the running of the council.

Councillors Wright and Hudson openly criticised the handling of former town clerk Lesley Airey, who walked out of her post last October after branding her salary of £13,122 as "derisory".

They have also questioned the payment of expenses to councillors and the holding of briefings behind closed doors.

At this month's full council meeting, Cllr Hudson expressed concern that an indirect allegation against him by Councillor Nancy Holdsworth had not been minuted.

Cllr Holdsworth claimed during last month's meeting that a town councillor had threatened to slit another councillor's throat over a charity balloon race row. Although no one was identified, Cllr Hudson branded the allegation as "absolute rubbish".

"Cllr Holdsworth made a statement that was untrue and that should have been included in the minutes," said Cllr Hudson.

Councillor Tony Wright also called for a motion in favour of allowing Cllr Glen Miller to comment on a vote of no confidence in Cllr Hudson to be noted in the minutes.

Acting town clerk Robert Westwood said: "We only need to record every word that is said if it is necessary for decisions that are made, so it is not necessary to record every word that is said in this chamber.

"It was purely a matter of procedure these items were not recorded."

Councillor Leathley said he ruled the motion of no confidence out of order but admitted that there should be a "revamped" copy of the minutes.