AN ULTIMATUM has been issued to West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner to 'come clean' over whether Keighley's police station will close.

Mark Burns-Williamson this week refused to give an assurance over the future of the threatened Royd Ings Avenue building.

Community leaders and politicians have vowed to fight any move to shut the facility and are demanding urgent answers from the police boss.

But when approached by the Keighley News over the issue, Mr Burns-Williamson simply regurgitated a statement given previously that no decision had been reached.

He added: "Before a decision is made, a viable alternative would have to be identified and a consultation with the community would take place."

Keighley's newly re-elected Tory MP Kris Hopkins, who pledged before the General Election to continue to fight the closure threat, has approached the PCC for an urgent meeting.

"I would like to discuss the options before him and in particular why the closure of Keighley Police Station is even being considered," he said.

"My position has not changed. A town of Keighley’s size needs its own facility, either where it is now or on its previous site.

"Keighley police officers have done a wonderful job in tackling local crime on behalf of residents and must be supported.

"I want the uncertainty to end and a sensible conclusion reached.”

Stalwart Labour politician and new Keighley town councillor, Barry Thorne, is also seeking a meeting with the commissioner.

"I would like him to come along and explain himself," said Cllr Thorne, leader of the new nine-strong Labour group on the town council.

"I do not blame Mark Burns-Williamson. He can only work with the money that is given to him by the Government.

"But to think a town the size of Keighley could be without a police station is just unbelievable.

"We need to act now because once the facility has gone we won't get it back.

"To close the building would be crazy and we will be pressing hard to stop it happening."

The Keighley News revealed earlier this year that the future of the station, which has already seen the closure of its cells and the relocation of CID officers to Bradford, was under review.

Community bosses and the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, condemned the move.