A NEW police station is to be built in the centre of Keighley.

It will be constructed on the site of the recently demolished former college premises in Cavendish Street.

The announcement ends two years of uncertainty and anxiety over the future presence of a police base in the town, since the force revealed it was selling the current Airedale House site in Royd Ings Avenue.

Townspeople have long called for the police station, once housed in what is now the civic centre, to be back in the centre of Keighley.

And MP John Grogan says that was his number one priority when he was elected in 2017.

He described the announcement as “the best Yorkshire Day present that Keighley could wish for”.

“The new building will be a reassurance to local people and a sign that the fight against crime is being pursued vigorously,” Mr Grogan said.

Bradford Council confirmed this week that it had reached an agreement to sell the former college site to West Yorkshire Police.

Subject to the necessary planning permissions and barring any delays, it is hoped the new police station will open in the spring of 2021.

The Council bought the old college buildings in 2006, which paved the way for the new campus to be built alongside Keighley Railway Station.

Despite extensive marketing, no suitable offers were received for the redundant college premises – which dated from the 1960s – and the decision was taken to demolish them and reuse the plot.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said the move was “another really positive step in the right direction in getting a new police station in the heart of Keighley”.

He added: “I have always said that the preferred option would be to ensure a permanent presence in the centre of Keighley that is fit for purpose, provides value for money and delivers more visible policing for our communities.

“This is now becoming closer to a reality following complex legal and contractual hurdles that have been cleared within our estates teams.

“I want to thank our partners, including Bradford Council and John Grogan, for all their support and work behind the scenes to help ensure that we arrive at the right outcome for our communities and those who live and work in the town.”

Chief Superintendent Osman Khan, Bradford district police commander, also welcomed the development.

He said: “Since the decision was made to sell Airedale House we have been in favour of relocating our local officers and staff to a purpose-built town-centre location and are delighted that agreement has been reached to purchase a prospective site.

“We believe that this is the best option for all concerned and that it underlines our commitment to serving the people of Keighley and its neighbouring areas.”

Airedale House opened as the divisional headquarters of Keighley police in the summer of 2005, following the closure of the old North Street building. Bt fears were later voiced over the future of the Royd Ings Avenue complex following the closure of the cells and the relocation to Bradford of key services, including CID and specialist units.

It was announced in August, 2017, that the site – together with six other West Yorkshire Police properties – was to be sold off.