ORGANISERS of Keighley in Bloom are being advised to seek financial support from Keighley Town Council by applying for a £2,000 grant.

Keighley Town councillors had been asked to consider a proposal to give £3,000 to the organisation, which would be administered by the council’s own allotments and landscapes committee.

This proposal was put forward by Cllr Kathrine Roberts, but she was told this was not appropriate as she is a member of the Keighley in Bloom committee.

Cllr Margaret Ward put forward the motion in her place.

Cllr Gary Pedley said: “This seems to go against our own procedures.

"These say that committees must agree their own budgets then those budgets are put to the full council."

“That has already happened and the precept has been set, so where would this extra money come from?”

He noted that there was already £1,000 in the budget set aside for Keighley in Bloom.

Cllr Sally Walker said: “Over the last few years £3,000 has been awarded to Keighley in Bloom through allotments and landscapes.

“I don’t know why, but that has been reduced to £1,000. We’re just asking if that can be brought back up to £3,000 again.”

Cllr Judith Brooksbank said it was important for the council to follow correct financial procedures, but stressed that Keighley in Bloom did an enormous amount of work to enhance the town.

Cllr Roberts said she would ask the organisation’s chairman to instead apply for a £2,000 grant, which would supplement the £1,000 the town council has already set aside for Keighley in Bloom.

Cllr Ward withdrew the original proposal for the £3,000.