FURY has erupted after Bradford Council rejected a petition opposing the planned closure of Keighley tip.

Campaigners have accused the local authority of trying to "silence the voices" of townspeople.

But the council says the petition was refused because it didn't include signatures.

Over 1,500 people added their names to the petition, calling for the Royd Ings Avenue household waste recycling centre – which is facing the axe under Bradford Council's budget proposals – to remain open.

Resident Laura Kelly said she was expecting to present the petition at a council meeting next week (January 24), but after chasing for an update from the authority was told of its rejection.

She says: "I am beyond frustrated.

"Just like the battle to save Keighley’s 'green space', Labour has once again disrespected the thousands of residents who took time out of their day to sign this petition and show their support for an important community resource.

"It's clear that this Labour-run council only cares about its own agenda and not the needs of the people it serves. Despite this news, we will fight to save our tip and make sure our voices are heard loud and clear, and I would still urge people to support the petition to show the strength of feeling."

Keighley Conservative MP Robbie Moore described the council's decision as "an absolute disgrace".

He added: "The council is attempting to silence the voices of Keighley residents and is showing utter disregard for local opinions.

"To refuse to even hear the concerns of our community is completely unacceptable and I again call on Bradford Council to U-turn immediately on its decision to close the tip.

"If the council won't even accept a perfectly valid petition supported by many residents, how on earth can Keighley feel that the authority has our best interests at heart?"

He is urging people to continue to support the petition, at robbiemoore.org.uk/SaveOurTip.

A Bradford Council spokesperson says: "The list of names submitted did not contain any signatures, which would allow for verification. Neither councils, national government nor any other organisation could accept a list of names without verifying those people had given their consent for their names to be used. This is standard practice.

"The council accepts verified petitions, either online or written on hard copies, on a regular basis without issue. The resident has been given help, support and clear advice about how to remedy the situation."