KEIGHLEY has been chosen to host the official Yorkshire Day civic celebration in 2022. It is the first time the town has been awarded the honour, by the Yorkshire Society, since the annual event – which takes place on August 1 – began in 1985. The official celebration – believed to be the largest event of its kind in the world – sees the county’s mayors, civic leaders and other VIP guests gather for a breakfast reception, thanksgiving service, street parade and formal lunch. Keighley Town Council also aims to make it a community-focused event showcasing the county and the town. Councillor Peter Corkindale, town mayor, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to host Yorkshire Day in 2022. It is a great privilege to play a part in celebrating Yorkshire and Keighley. It will provide a great boost for the town’s tourism and economy.”
They said an Environment Agency decision to issue a permit for the plant was “very disappointing”. But the campaign group, Aire Valley Against Incineration, says options are still available to fight the project – including a possible legal challenge. Opponents of the incinerator, earmarked for the former gas works site at Marley, say it would pose a risk to people’s health and damage the environment – claims that are refuted by the applicant Endless Energy. Aire Valley Against Incineration chairman Simon Shimbles said that following the Environment Agency’s announcement, the group’s committee had met to “kick off” the next stage of opposition.