A Silsden pensioner who depends on a mobility scooter to get out and about has had his vehicle stolen from a busy street.

Former Craven ward councillor Eric Dawson has been confined to his home after his Sovereign scooter was stolen from outside the Conservative Club, on Briggate, last Thursday evening.

Mr Dawson, president of the Conservative Club, was about to return to his Weavers Walk home when he discovered his scooter was missing at about 10pm.

He said: "It just disappeared.

"It was parked right outside the window -- I could see it from when I was sat. I found bits of the scooter further down the road."

The 78-year-old reported the theft to the police.

He said: "They said they weren't going to do anything about it.

"It's not on. There's no police in Silsden anyway. They couldn't care less," he said.

Mr Dawson, who had an operation on his knee in April and is due to have another on his other knee soon, said: "I'm angry about it. Since my operation in April I've not been able to walk very well.

"I was fed up so I bought the scooter to get me about.

"I'm not as good a driver as I once was so I sold my car. The scooter was a way for me to get out of the house. At least it was until it was knocked off."

The Steeton with Eastburn parish councillor said the red scooter, which was worth about £400, did not have a number plate because it was not meant for the road. It also had a special catch on it so once the keys were taken out the wheels locked.

"They either had to drag it or carry it away. Briggate is a well-used place, - it's busy, but nobody saw it go," he said.

Mr Dawson has since bought another scooter.

He has bought a chain to fix the vehicle down in a bid to prevent a similar theft occurring

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We have been in touch with the complainant and made inquiries into the incident.

"The local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been made aware of the vehicle and has been told to keep an eye out."

Those with any information about the incident or the whereabouts of the scooter should contact Keighley Police on 01535 617059.