Grass roots democracy - with people being able to make a difference in their community - is a central platform of this newspaper’s campaigning beliefs.

It was a major reason why we took a leading role in bringing about the formation of Keighley Town Council.

There’s obviously an element local political intrigue involved, but the moves to look at forming a Riddlesden and Stockbridge parish council need to be carefully considered.

They are not the first - and no doubt won’t be the last - to express concerns that Keighley Town Council is focussing too much on the town centre, to the detriment of villages and surrounding areas.

So far there’s a paucity of evidence to back the comments - but the gut feeling is that there is justification for a debate.

It was always going to be a consideration that the town council might be too big. There are valid arguments for and against that train of thought.

A complication is that no one really knows what is due to happen and how the future of local councils will pan out.

What is for certain is that it is absolutely imperative that people not only feel they have a voice, but that it will also be listened too, and they can play a part in shaping the future.

It has to be said there is an element of sadness if there is any feeling of an area being isolated - that is not what setting up the town council was about. It was strength in numbers.

It is good that grass roots meetings like the ones at Riddlesden are being held.

If more local smaller parish councils are the way forward - firmly based on the wishes of the people - then so be it. Nothing is set in a tablet of stone.