Hundreds of new jobs have been created in Keighley since a regeneration package was launched two and a half years ago.

A progress report on Single Regeneration Budget activity has shown that £17.9 million of investment has been created as well as 470 new jobs across the board including manufacturing and the service sector.

Members of Bradford Council's regeneration budget committee will be given details of the project's success at their meeting on Wednesday at Keighley Leisure Centre.

Keighley Councillor Andy Mudd, chairman of the SRB board, said: "Keighley SRB is making real progress in tackling deprivation and encouraging growth and prosperity within the community.

"All projects are assessed on their ability to create and protect jobs and create opportunities for local people. Over 100 projects have been successfully appraised to date."

He said the board tried to give priority to manufacturing industry because it wanted to create long-term, sustainable jobs "that pay mortgages and rent."

In 1996, Keighley was allocated £18.7m of Government money over seven years to support an ambitious regeneration programme and draw in £80 million of additional public and private sector investment.

Bradford Council has pledged £26 million over a 12-year period in the Keighley SRB area.

The scheme covers Keighley town centre, the surrounding housing estates of Braithwaite, Guardhouse, Bracken Bank and Woodhouse and the Lawkholme and Beechcliffe areas.

The regeneration committee will hear how 1,322 homes have been refurbished with new windows, doors and central heating. It will also be told of the successful setting up of the Keighley community nursery.

Committee members will hear that 32 new homes have been created and 2,500 children given extra help with reading. Two new play areas have also been created and homework clubs formed.

There have been further

benefits from the establishment

of an Asian Business Development Consortium and from the construction and improvement of ten community buildings.

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