Residents are being canvassed to see if they want to form their own parish council.

The plan would mean people of the Riddlesden and Stockbridge area of Keighley petitioning for a review under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act in a bid to break away from Keighley town council responsibility.

Leading the charge is town councillor Ron Beale who believes Keighley town council has “got too big for itself.”

He said he was responding to questions from residents who would feel more confident their council tax precept money was being spent wisely if their local area had greater representation.

Coun Beale, who represents Woodhouse and Hainworth ward on the town council, wants people to call him if they believed the combined Riddlesden, Stockbridge and Sandbeds area merited a separate council.

“This year is going to be tough economically,” he said. “Every penny of what is collected by district or parish councils has to be made to count. I think Keighley town council has got too big for itself – it’s one of the largest town councils in the country.”

Keighley town clerk Miggy Bailey said: “We are a little surprised as no representation has been made through the ward councillors by persons unhappy with the present situation.”

She said Coun Beale’s duty in the first place should have been to inform the ward councillors as a matter of courtesy with a view to sorting out what problems the constituents had.

Anyone wanting to contact Coun Beale about the issue can do so on (01535) 661706.