A scathing attack on a "farcical" system which prevents local councillors from properly representing their ward constituents has been launched by Keighley councillor Andrew Mallinson .

Cllr Mallinson (Con, Keighley North), along with other representatives and officers of Bradford Council, was advised this week not to attend a presentation by Asda about plans to build a new superstore in the town.

"Myself and a number of the other councillors invited went to our legal department and were advised not to go because it could be seen as a conflict of interests," said Cllr Mallinson, who is on the executive of the council and is holder of the portfolio on the economy.

"We have to abide by a rule which covers how the public perceives what we are doing. If we break the rule we could be taken before a judge and face a £50,000 surcharge.

"It is a stupid rule which ties our hands. Basically, it means that if any of us had been seen coming out of the presentation at The Beeches by a resident, that resident might think that because we had enjoyed a free drink and some food it would influence us to vote in favour. The whole thing makes a nonsense of free speech and stops us properly representing the interests of the people of our ward. It is a farce, because by going to the presentation we could have perhaps learned something about what Asda wants to do.

"But we are not allowed to do that. We have to wait until the plans come before the council and look at the evidence and vote on that day."

Cllr Mallinson has already been called before the council's Standards Committee after opposing plans for right-turn markings into the MCC premises at Worth Way, near the AG Autopoint business run jointly by Cllr Mallinson and Cllr Glen Miller (Con, Worth Valley).

"It was felt I was voting against because the proposal could harm my own business," he said. "We have to be so careful these days, which is why I contacted the legal department about the Asda presentation."

Cllr Mallinson said he could also face some problems with any potential development by Morrison's due to the close proximity of his own business.

Tim Ayres, Bradford Council's development team solicitor, said: "Members of Keighley Area Planning Panel and invited officers were advised not to attend this event because of the possible conflict of interest.

"The planning application for the Asda development is likely to be put before the area panel for determination. The council's planning code of practice advises panel members not to be seen to be in a position where they could be compromised in dealing with such applications.

"Other local councillors were advised to carefully consider whether it would be prudent for them to attend this event."