Bradford Council’s chief executive has been accused of “patronising” civic leaders in Keighley by ignoring calls for them to take control of the town’s market – but suggesting they could run the toilets there instead.

Tony Reeves made the suggestion in a letter responding to the Keighley Town Council’s request to take over public services in the town, including car parks, the market and tourism promotion.

But in a letter to Keighley Town Council, Mr Reeves rejected all their pleas, apart from the possibility of the town council taking direct control of the market toilets.

He wrote: “We will be consulting with town and parish councils along with other stakeholders with regard to the budget pressures linked to public toilets and the potential transfer of service delivery and assets is something that we will consider.”

Keighley Town Council had written a list to the authority proposing its parish council provide grit bins, oversee car parks, run the markets and tourist information services, as well as appointing a town centre manager.

However, Mr Reeves replied, saying local councils were legally-bound to provide most of those services.

He said previous discussions about the town council taking over the market had prompted opposition from traders.

Keighley Councillor Peter Corkindale said: “I found it a very patronising letter. The market makes £400,000 per annum profit, but he says you can’t have that, you can have the toilets. He only wants to give up what costs Bradford Council money.”

However, Keighley Councillor Ron Beale, said it was “common sense” for Bradford to refuse the town council’s requests because it “was not ready” to take over the public services.

“When I saw the list that this council had put to Bradford I laughed, and I bet Tony Reeves laughed even louder,” he said. “Part of Bradford Council’s duty of care is not to hand over responsibilities to a town council which is financially irresponsible.”

In his letter, Mr Reeves said: “I cannot see that the direct devolution from the council to town and parish councils to be a sensible way forward.

“I would, however, be happy to see town and parish councils working closely within the area committee system to support them in the delivery of any services devolved down to an area committee level.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “It is unfortunate the letter appears to have been misinterpreted and to have caused concern.”