A New multi-million-pound bid is being made for government money to breathe extra life into an area of Keighley.

The scheme - thought to be the first of its kind in the country - is aimed at restoring run-down privately-owned houses in the Highfield area

In addition to tackling problems caused by disrepair, the plan also includes major environmental impr-ovements.

It follows the modernisation of hundreds of council houses in the town.

If the scheme - based around the Highfield area of Keighley - is a success it will act as a model for other parts of the Bradford district.

The estimated £4 million needed to transform the private-sector housing will come from a bid by the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) partnership board.

The SRB is an £18.7 million pot of money won several years ago to regenerate Keighley. Now the SRB board is applying for more money from the government through what is known is 'round five bidding'.

Cllr Andy Mudd, chairman of the Keighley SRB partnership board, says the scheme has the backing of Bradford council.

"People used to get money through home improvement grants but these are hard to come by now," he says. "We are looking at a three- to four-year programme and hope to spend between three and four million pounds."

He says that the SRB board has a number of ideas which it wants to share with the community.

"We are hoping to meet with people in the area over the next few weeks to discuss the plans. But it is important to know that we do not regenerate the people - we help them to do it themselves."

He says it is vital that the residents in the area play an active part in building for the future and stresses that the board will be actively seeking ideas.

He says most of the public-sector housing in Keighley has now been improved with new windows and frontages and that central heating is currently being fitted.

However, he adds: "There is a big problem with the private housing stock. It's very exciting and we are hoping to attract other partners to the scheme."

The bid is currently being prepared and will be submitted to the government. The SRB board hopes to have a decision early next year.

Charlie Bhowmick, secretary of the Highfield People's Action Group, is delighted with the news. "It is very exciting and it will boost the morale of the people in the area," he says.

In September the government's housing minister Hilary Armstrong visited Keighley to see housing projects funded by the SRB.

She toured an 'urban village' which is nearing completion on East Parade.

Mrs Armstrong said the government was pleased such tremendous SRB innovation brought about through its strong partnerships with business, other agencies and political parties. The minster was lobbied for extra cash to bring other 'needs' up to required standards.

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