The recently-formed Highfield Action Group is playing a major role in the quest for money to revitalise the run-down area of Keighley.

Bosses of the town's Single Regeneration Budget last week applied for £4 million from the government's 'Round 5' SRB funding pot. The cash will pay for improvements to private housing, community safety, health and the local environment.

North British Housing Association has committed £4.5 million to the initiative and Keighley Business Forum has pledged £175,000. Other cash could come from local businesses, voluntary groups, charitable bodies, health agencies and the National Lottery.

The application stresses the involvement of the Action Group alongside Bradford council, police, businesses and housing association. It says: "The creation of the group over the summer of 1998 attracted attention to Highfield, which initiated dialogue between various agencies. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the area has generated opportunities for action, and the group will continue to be at the heart of the proposed scheme. This bid harnesses the goodwill and self-help approach of the community and acknowledges the tremendous effort the Action Group has already made."

The bid aims to meet the expectations of the community in a realistic way, working swiftly to make use of the strong foundation for cooperation and regeneration.

If government cash is granted for Highfield, the first year will be devoted to high-profile projects that will have an impact on the community. These could include anti-drugs work, clean-up campaigns, new play areas, a recycling scheme, and parenting and exercise classes.

A schedule of house improvements would be agreed following surveys of individual homes and a health-risk profile. The frontages of corner shops could be improved, a community caretaker appointed and a Highfield Champion recruited to coordinate the whole initiative.

The second year would see the start of an innovative housing improvement programme based on shared ownership and management of homes. Work could include damp proofing, re-wiring, replacement windows and doors, guttering, security measures, heating and stone-cleaning. Important aspects of the project would include tool libraries, energy conservation, waste minimisation, home safety and training in home maintenance.

If the project proves successful it could be expanded to other inner-city areas of run-down private sector housing.

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