A top Keighley museum is being neglected, it is claimed.

Empty display areas and closed rooms at Cliffe Castle have sparked fears over its future.

Now one concerned local resident and long-time supporter of the museum has written to council bosses demanding answers.

The Cliffe Castle estate was handed over to Keighley as a gift in January 1950.

Since it opened to the public in 1959, Cliffe Castle Museum has welcomed thousands of visitors through its doors.

But Charlie Bhowmick (pictured) - who staged a photographic exhibition at the museum eight years ago - claims the popular site is being allowed to slide into disrepair.

He said: "I have visited the museum regularly over the years, and have always been impressed by the work displayed by the many talented and skilful people in our community.

"When I visit now it upsets me greatly to see how things have deteriorated. The main display area and the balcony have been closed off since last summer.

"The teaching room, archaeology area and Riches Underfoot have been closed for a very long time.

"Also a lot of things - such as the bird song unit and video of fossils - do not work.

"There was a very valuable programme for children during school holiday times, and I am sad to say this has also closed down. The Keighley public surely has a right to know why such a situation has arisen."

Michael Scarborough, chairman of the Cliffe Castle Friends, said there were wider questions about the funding and operation of museums generally in the region.

He added: "We as the Friends are here to support Cliffe Castle Museum, and that includes directly with funding. We are anxious that the museum is developed and we will put our money where our mouth is."

Bradford Council's executive member for the environment, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, denied that the museum was being run down.

She told us: "Cliffe Castle Museum is not being neglected. In fact a significant amount of money is being invested on major improvements.

"We are in the middle of work on a £625,000 'Working Landscapes' project. This will give us three refurbished galleries as well as more educational space, and is due to be completed in the autumn.

"Parts of the building are temporarily closed to enable this work to proceed, but there is no intention to close Cliffe Castle Museum.

"The scheme has been funded through a Heritage Lottery grant, along with support from Bradford Council, the Wolfson Foundation and Keighley SRB."

l A report next week to Bradford Council's overview and scrutiny committee (regeneration and culture) - outlining complaints received in the past year about the district's museums - says there have been two regarding closed galleries at Cliffe Castle.