KEIGHLEY councillors have been asked why they are spending thousands of pounds renting storage space in Russell Street when they have so much space available elsewhere.

Keighley Town Council was challenged about this policy at the annual town meeting in the civic centre in North Street.

Michael Cook, a member of the public, asked why the council was paying £10,000 for storage at Russell Street when it has alternative space in the civic centre.

Keighley town mayor Cllr Graham Mitchell replied: “There is a council van in the store at Russell Street and other equipment. The council took the decision that it needed this space. It may have been wrong, but it was a legitimately taken decision.”

Town clerk Tom Ferry said the council was tied into a lease for the property, but added the decision to store items there could be revised once the lease is up for renewal.