The largest of the town and parish councils in the district has refused to sign a charter with Bradford Council and is asking for the wording of the agreement to be changed.

Sixteen other councils have signed up to the charter, which sets out the individual roles and responsibilities of the different bodies, but Keighley Town Council says it is unconstitutional.

The agreement says Bradford councillors and officers can speak at parish council meetings on issues of mutual interest, if the parish's chairman or mayor agrees - but Keighley Town Council's constitution states this permission can only be given by the whole council, not just the mayor.

Mayor Councillor Brian Hudson said the town council would "stand firm" on this issue, as signing up to an agreement which contradicts its own rules would be unconstitutional.

Town clerk Miggy Bailey said: "Under the Local Government Act it is the council which allows people to speak, not the chairman.

"The Yorkshire Local Councils Association has agreed with us that the word chairman should be replaced by the word council but Bradford has refused to change it. Thus, the Town Council was unable to oblige by signing the document in its present form."

At the time it was signed, Bradford Council's Councillor Andrew Mallinson, executive member for regeneration and housing, said: "The signing of this charter marks a crucial stage in the development of local democracy for the district.

"By setting out the individual roles and responsibilities of each authority we can work together better to deliver services. There will be less duplication and confusion and much more communication between the different bodies."

The charter is meant to help create more parish councils as well as support existing ones. Bradford is one of the first authorities to develop one, and has been approached by other authorities wanting to follow its example.

Dave Melling, senior policy officer for rural affairs at Bradford Council, said: "We are disappointed Keighley Town Council has not signed up to the charter when all other parish and town councils have signed up to it. The charter is due to be reviewed next year when any issues or concerns will be addressed."