There can be no questioning the fact that the historic family mansion Whinburn House needs to be saved. It is, as many have pointed out, one of the architectural gems of Keighley.

There is little or no point in looking back and pointing fingers of blame as to how it has ended up in its current parlous state.

What is important is preserving it for the future. The question being wrestled with at the moment is in what form the preservation should take.

Should mill-conversion specialist GCG Construction be allowed to go-ahead with its plans to turn the former home, which was last used as a school, into separate apartments?

Or should the ambitious plans by Keighley Town Council to possible buy it and open the grounds and house to the public be given more of a chance?

One element which seems to be missing from the debate -- apart from letters to this newspaper -- is the views of the people who live next to and near to the building. They are raising a number of pertinent questions which need answering before decisions are made about the future of the building.

Quite rightly they ask about the cost to the tax payer if the town council takes on the project. What about the future? Who will maintain it? Will it be self-financing?

Delaying planning permission while the town council plans are examined should be considered. That makes sense as long as it doesn't drive a potential investor away.

The most important step to take is -- as one of the parties involved in trying to resolve the issue says -- take emotion out of the decision.

What is urgently needed is sound, joined up thinking, with a realistic and achievable business plan. For the ultimate cost of saving this magnificent building must not be an investment in a future white elephant.