The announcement that Silentnight is proposing to close its Keighley factory has understandably sent shock waves rippling through the town.

For nearly 25 years the firm has occupied the Dalton Lane site, playing its part in providing employment and hence supporting the local economy of the town.

Silentnight say there's a reduced demand for its products in an increasingly competitive market and they have had to face up closing the site.

Obviously it is up to companies to run their businesses as they see fit. They say that should the factory be closed they will make every effort to minimise the impact on its 220 employees.

Silentnight's press statement is full of praise for the staff, using phrases like 'tremendous contribution'.

The firm talks of the 'very difficult proposal' they have had to make. The hard fact may well be that there is nothing which makes economic sense that can done to keep the factory open.

According to Cllr Barry Thorne, it seems they had decided not to approach Bradford Council to talk about possible ways they could stay in Keighley. That is a real shame.

But it does beg the question - now the shock news is out, what action is the pro-active regeneration unit of Bradford Council planning to take? If a final decision is yet to be made, and there is a glimmer of hope for the 220 workers, then surely some offer of help can be made.

What the demise of Silentnight has done is highlight and add a greater sense of urgency to the need to have a detailed and positive strategic plan for the future regeneration of Keighley.

The Council's current draft strategy was described by the area panel as the worst report they had ever seen.

It is imperative that this issue is resolved, with an action plan including dates and timings put on the table.