Regarding the use of Keighley Civic Centre, I have seen first hand the efforts Councillor Corkindale and Councillor Ward put in, and I am sure there are more that I wish I knew their names so I could also give them some deserved recognition.

I agree entirely with Mike Armstrong – ‘Why is there such negativity around Keighley’s centre?’ (Keighley News, April 17) – about the wonderful building and facility we have in the civic centre, and would also congratulate his efforts and support to local charities, sharing his skills and tips as a master baker with many local people.

Yes, Mike, I am sure some of the negativity comes from people with hidden agendas and some councillors who just want to be heard and not part of a team.

Look at the old grammar school building now and think of what it used to be like. This is the centre of our town directly opposite the cenotaph where we honour the people of Keighley who gave their lives for this community, our forefathers and predecessors who built and preserved this town’s buildings and facilities. We don’t have to build these buildings now, we only have to preserve and maintain them.

I believe it costs less than 15p per household to support the civic centre, and it has cost just £1 each per person for the 50,000 population of Keighley to pay for an action undertaken by a minority group of people called the Cavetown Council.

I know which facility I would support, and to Councillor Beale and Elizabeth Mitchell, I would offer an invitation on a Monday afternoon to come to the tea dance and join in with the regular 40 or so dancers, with ages ranging from the 70s to the 90s, keeping themselves active and in good company.

So yes, let’s have more people using the facilities, provided in a wonderful building in a perfect position.

Lawrence Bottomley Oakworth