TOP councillors have agreed £430,000 in funding to demolish the former Keighley College building in Cavendish Street.

Bradford Council's executive decided today that the cash should be made available from a contingency pot to bulldoze the derelict structure.

The money will also cover the cost of associated works including temporary road closures, fencing, scaffolding and the digging out of foundations.

Afterwards, the site will be top-soiled in preparation for marketing.

The move comes after long-time efforts to sell the building, whose neighbouring North Street complex has already been flattened, were unsuccessful.

Executive member, Councillor Val Slater, said after the meeting: "Although a report gives an early forecast that the authority could have a deficit in resourcing, we have to look at the wider aspects for regeneration and it was important that this funding was agreed.

"The demolition of the building is an invaluable piece of the jigsaw for regenerating that part of Keighley."

As reported yesterday, a forecast was given to the meeting that the authority would overspend by £10.5 million by the end of the financial year.

But council leader Susan Hinchcliffe told members she was determined to ensure the budget was brought back in line with the approved £375.2m in running costs for the year.

Finance bosses said it was important to make it clear that the estimate was based on information gathered at a “very early point in the financial year”.

The report to members also outlined how there were risks to a number of the planned savings of £37.5m which are instrumental in the 2017-18 budget.