REVAMP:PROJECTS BOOST FOR SHOPPERS Stall holders in two major markets were today celebrating a multi-thousand pound boost from Bradford Council.

Popular city centre Kirkgate market and Keighley market hall are in line for improvements costing £450,000.

The £300,000 project at Keighley market is the second phase of a £2 million improvement scheme which began last year.

The Kirkgate market - in the Kirkgate centre - will get a complete new lighting system at a cost of £150,000.

And the Council will consult with the tenants of 174 units on what else they would like to be done in the market.

Last year the Council refurbished the roof at Keighley and this year all doors and entrances will be modernised.

A public address system will be installed and the building, which has 81 units and attracts 45,000 shoppers a week, will be painted inside.

Markets manager Malcolm Veigas said the markets would be kept open throughout the work and disruption kept to a minimum.

The cash investment into Kirkgate market is part of a ten-year spending plan to improve the venue. The spending has been welcomed by city centre manager Bob Parker who told the Telegraph & Argus it would help Kirkgate market to keep attracting people into Bradford.

Mr Parker has backed the Telegraph & Argus Buy It In Bradford campaign which urges the residents to carry on shopping in the city as it undergoes massive redevelopment.

He said: "The markets have always been important to shoppers in Bradford and the city centre management team welcomes the first phase of the refurbishment to Kirkgate market and the on-going commitment to see the market improve."

The work on Keighley market is expected to go out to tender next month, with work beginning in summer. Michael Masser, chairman of Kirkgate Market Tenants Association, said: "It is excellent news for the market.

"The council has a ten-year plan for a lot of improvements here and a complete refurbishment and everybodyis absolutely positive about it.

"It is a very popular market and families have been coming here for years. But not much has been spent on it in the past few years."