Keighley Town Council has been subjected to some “blatantly unfair and extremely personal” criticism, according to a delegation from a national body.

The comments were made by Councillor Kevin Wilson, chairman of the larger councils committee of the National Assoc-iation of Local Councils.

Together with committee vice-chairman Coun Ken Cleary, he visited Keighley Civic Centre to meet with the town council’s leadership.

Coun Wilson said: “Keighley Town Council has made huge strides since its inception.

“It is a strong, well-managed council, with really committed members making a difference on behalf of the community.

“It’s easy to criticise democratically-elected local authorities from the sidelines, and it is right they are always being scrutinised by the public they serve.

“But some of the criticisms that we’ve seen are just blatantly unfair, go well beyond the boundaries of acceptable and reasonable criticism and have been extremely personal and negative in nature.”

In recent months, the council has come under attack for raising its council tax precept by 72.6 per cent and for its civic centre project, which the council acknowledged in May was £162,000 in the red.

During their visit last Wednesday, councillors Wilson and Cleary met town mayor Coun Sally Walker and deputy mayor, Coun Lionel Lockley, together with the chairmen of several town council committees.

Following a tour of the Police and Forensic Science Museum, Coun Wilson said: “The museum is simply outstanding, and demonstrates just what can be achieved by a strong town council with committed officers and members.

“It’s the best example we’ve ever seen of a town or parish council providing a museum service. It must be great for local youngsters and adults alike, as well as being a significant visitor attraction.”