Confidence in the future for Keighley is growing by the day. More and more companies and organisations are demonstrating their faith in the area.

For example the company run by Keighley-born and bred Warren Rochford has outgrown its current premises and is making a £350,000 investment brought about through urgent business expansion. Great news.

However one underlying issue - which, in many ways is a nice problem to have - is the shortage of suitable premises for growing companies to expand into.

In some cases that shortage has led to local companies having to look outside the area. Or as businessman Howard Gibson puts it 'success is rewarded by eviction'.

Mr Gibson, his son and chartered surveyor Bill Poole, formed a new company two years ago as a result of being frustrated by the chronic shortage of suitable land for industrial development in Keighley.

They have all lived in Keighley most of their lives and are determined to play their part in keeping businesses and jobs they provide in their home town.

This week their £25 million plans to build new light industrial units was officially revealed.

Mr Gibson says they receive two to three requests a week from local companies wanting to expand and out-of-town companies looking to move to the area. There is evidence of that from other sources.

The first site they hope to develop is subject to potential issues over flooding. The firm says it has done its research and believes the development will not add to any risk and could make marginal improvements in reducing risk.

But as opposed to some dream schemes it should be recognised the the company has already spent over £600,000 acquiring land and carrying out research.

The company's plans will quite rightly be the subject of a healthy debate and should go through all due processes, with all voices being heard.

It is to be hoped that all those involved will keep in mind the obvious - that the bed-rock of the future local economy is good businesses and solid jobs and need to do what is necessary to keep them in the town.