Town centre bosses are opposing plans to build a new Asda supermarket in Keighley. They feel the proposed store in Bradford Street, though creating 400 new jobs, would badly affect town centre shops.

The store would be on the site of Peter Black Distribution's warehouse, in Lawkholme, just outside the town centre and alongside densely-populated streets.

Asda recently approached town centre manager Sandra Parnham requesting a meeting to discuss its proposals.

She put the request to the Town Centre Management group, which is made up of traders, council representatives, police, transport and college bosses.

A group spokesman said there was discussion about the traffic problems such a store would create in this residential area.

She added: "The main concern was the detrimental effect this development would have on a wide range of businesses, plus loss of jobs in the town centre."

Mrs Parnham will write to Asda expressing her members' concerns, and no meeting will be organised.

Asda has already made an offer for the Peter Black site, but the project is dependent on planning approval being granted by Bradford Council.

The store chain says around 400 full and part-time jobs would be created, and Peter Black Holdings would get cash to modernise its Airedale Mill site and safeguard its long-term future in Keighley.