HOPES are high of "good news" within weeks over Keighley's bid for millions of pounds to rejuvenate the town.

The man chairing the board which has put forward a sweeping package of proposals for up to £25m of Government cash says he remains "extremely positive and confident" about the result.

"Positive discussions and engagement are continuing with the Government office and Bradford Council," says Ian Hayfield, who heads-up the Keighley Town Deal Board.

"Everyone involved is working flat out to achieve a favourable outcome.

"On a personal note I have to say 'thank you' to council officers, who have been working around the clock on this.

"It's difficult to give the community an exact timeline, but from the evidence presented to me I firmly believe that we will get some good news through during the next month or so.

"Keighley is at a 'crossroads'. But with support from the Government, a proactive council and my enthusiastic board members, I know we can direct the town on the right path to deliver a real positive change to lives and businesses."

More than 30 projects designed to rejuvenate Keighley and bolster its economic growth were unveiled just before Christmas.

Following a public consultation, those schemes were whittled down and a final package was put forward for potential Government Towns Fund support.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore, a board member, pays tribute to colleagues for their work on the bid.

"The Towns Fund project has shown us what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together for the greater good of an area," he said.

"My thanks go out to everyone who was involved in this process, especially all on the Towns Fund board including the chair Ian Hayfield – from Hayfield Robinson – and vice-chair Steve Kelly, of Keighley College.

"Despite many challenges and obstacles, the final projects were submitted just in time. They are now being considered by central Government."

Luke Hall, minister for regional growth and local government, said he was delighted to have received town investment plans from both Keighley and Shipley and he confirmed that the Government’s assessment process was continuing.

And in a letter to Bradford Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, he voiced his gratitude for the "leadership" shown by the local authority.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "Shipley and Keighley are two great towns in our district and it was important to us to support the Towns Fund boards in putting together the strongest plans possible.

"That’s why we put an extra £300,000 in our budget to help the development of the plans, which complement the other work we have been doing in Keighley and Shipley."