The lock stock and barrel takeover of council houses by a housing trust was not widely welcomed in some quarters. The question was rightly asked about the long-term effects of selling off the civic silver.

As the debate rolled on, one fact became clear. If no action was taken the properties would fall into further disrepair and the bill to put things right would reach staggering proportions.

A multi-million pound backlog of repairs to hundreds of houses and flats had already built up with Bradford Council unable to fund the repairs.

It has now been announced that tenants of the former council homes in Keighley are to share a £10 million cash fund for housing work.

Over the next 12 months the Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust -- which took over the housing stock -- will carry out improvements to properties in Keighley, Ilkley and Bingley, at the request of tenants. They will get new kitchens, central heating, new roofs, re-wiring and fencing -- all basic amenities any decent landlord should provide.

The trust's financial base is different as, unlike the council, it can borrow money from national banks for such work. It is also planning to spend a similar multi-million sum in the following financial year as part of its investment in the future.

Harry Whittle, the Keighley housing operations manager, says the trust knows some parts of the area have been neglected and it is trying to distribute money so that a lot of people can benefit. The trust deserves praise for the business-like way it has approached this pressing issue and the action it plans to take.

Had the properties still been with the council, the odds are it would still have been snarled up in red tape.