Parish council leader Alan Morrell has been accused of damaging good working relationships between Brad-ford and Ilkley.

The swift reaction follows the councillor’s decision to switch from Conservative to Independent for the remaining months of his chairmanship, reported in last week’s Gazette.

But he has also been praised for his actions by another Independent councillor, Kathy Best.

Coun Morrell, who has repeatedly called for improve-ments to Ilkley’s amenities, said he had chosen to become an Independent to gain more “freedom” to speak out.

But Ilkley parish councillor and Conservative Mike Gibbons, himself a former chairman and council member for 20 years, said he could not recall any previous chairman saying that a political affiliation hindered progress.

“In fact much has been done in close co-operation and partnership with Bradford Council over the past few years,” he said.

“I believe future chairmen may now find themselves needing to rebuild damaged relationships with Bradford Council members and officers whom in my opinion try to help and improve wherever possible.”

Ilkley district and parish councillor Anne Hawkesworth, also Bradford Conservative chief whip, said if Coun Morrell had lived in Ilkley 20 years ago, he would realise that there had been dramatic improvements thanks to co-operation between the town and Bradford Council, although there was more to do.”

She added: “I have felt that since Alan was elected chairman of the Parish Council in May 2009 that this co-operation has waned – to the detriment of Ilkley.

“At local level, party politics do not intrude. At district level, they are ever-present.”

Independent Ilkley parish councillor Kathy Best said she hoped Coun Morrell would stand as an Independent at the next parish council elections.

“I don't think there are many other parish or town councillors in the Bradford Metropolitan District who rely on their membership of a political party to get elected.

“I believe it would be preferable for all candidates to stand as independents. Most of the current councillors have always refused to do this but perhaps Coun Morrell's example could cause a change of heart.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: Coun Best and Coun Stuart Goddard are the only other elected Independent members of the Parish Council.