A BATTLE is on to save a village car park.

Bradford Council is planning to sell-off the site, in Colne Road, Oakworth.

But village councillors say the car park is a "vital resource", and fear its potential loss could lead to traffic problems and safety issues.

Cash-strapped Bradford Council is selling a string of properties and assets across the district.

Councillors Luke Maunsell and Mark Curtis – who represent Oakworth on Keighley Town Council – are calling for a U-turn over the car park proposal, or failing that for the local authority to enter discussions in a bid to find a "sustainable way forward".

In a joint statement, the councillors said: "We have serious concerns about the prospect of the selling-off of the car park, in Colne Road.

"This car park, across the road from the restored Dockroyd graveyard, is a vital resource for residents as it enables off-road parking.

"Despite its important role, it is being earmarked as an asset to dispose of. If this were to happen, there's a serious risk that the parking provision would be lost – likely leading to significant congestion at a very narrow junction, as residents would need to find parking on the main road or elsewhere.

"The car park is a small but extremely useful asset for those who live in the immediate area, and we feel it should remain utilised as it is and under local authority control.

"If Bradford Council is unwilling or unable to do this, we would encourage it to begin discussions as soon as possible with residents and the town council to try to find a sustainable way forward."

Bradford Council says its sale of assets is necessary to maintain "vital services", but adds that it would be willing to engage with any interested groups over the car park.

A spokesperson says: "We’re aware of the concerns raised at the proposed disposal of this small car park, as part of our wider asset disposal programme.

"Due to the financial situation facing the council, like many across the country we're in the process of disposing of many of our assets that we don't have an operational need for so that we can continue to fund vital services we all rely on.

"However, we recognise the local situation regarding this site in Oakworth and are happy to engage with groups such as the town council on potential ways forward."