The jury has to stay out for the time being on the proposed move by the police to a new site away from the town centre.

In many ways the move makes sense considering the congestion around the current base at North Street and nearby New Devonshire House. A new headquarters building, which would improve the service the force has to provide for the whole of the division, has to be an all-round positive step.

That said -- and at the risk of stating the blindingly obvious -- it is vital that a full presence is kept in Keighley town centre. It has to be accepted that we live in an era where putting a bobby on every street corner is not practical, no matter how desirable that may be.

But to keep on top of and reduce the fear of crime, much of which is only perceived, there must be visible evidence of a meaningful police presence.

Security guards and street wardens are not a replacement for police officers in town centres.

We reserve judgement until further details are known.

The more important issue is what is to happen to the building in North Street?

Last year the police station and former magistrates court -- within the same building -- underwent a £500,000 refurbishment. Before that a new cell block was opened.

The greatest travesty of justice to affect Keighley in recent years was the failure to build new courts and the subsequent loss of the magistrates courts to Bingley.

Keighley is hardly a small backwater town warranting only a pinprick on a map. It is a major player, and as further devolvement of power is rolled out and the dynamic plans for its future take shape, surely it should have a its own magistrates courts again. The Lord Chancellor should take note of the letter from Ann Cryer and take a long hard look at reinstating the courts.

After all, there's the cells, good security, a new canteen and offices already in place.

Justice has to be seen to be done and a courtroom back in town, combined with the helpdesk and police on hand, would mean just that. It would be a huge knock-on benefit for the people of Keighley to come out of the police move.