Regeneration work in Keighley was praised by the government's housing minister this week during her whistle-stop tour of the town.

Hilary Armstrong visited Keighley housing projects funded from the government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB). She then had lunch at the recently-opened Shimla Spice restaurant, in South Street, which was also partially funded with SRB cash.

The SRB, which is run by a committee of local people and councillors, is providing money for several affordable housing schemes around Keighley.

Ms Armstrong, accompanied by SRB chiefs and Keighley MP Ann Cryer, first toured an 'Urban Village' which is nearing completion on East Parade. Local developers Kingfisher is transforming a former industrial site into 21 flats for pensioners, young people and families.

Ms Armstrong said the government was pleased to see such housing developments creating sustainable communities on 'brown-field' sites within town centres. She said: "It means people are living next to the shops and amenities, in good quality accommodation at affordable prices."

Ms Armstrong later said the Keighley SRB partnership has shown tremendous innovation in its work to bring empty properties back into use. She added: "This combines social housing with regeneration in a way that tackles social exclusion and creates new opportunities for the people of Keighley."

Meanwhile, Cllr Ann Hawks-worth, one of the SRB bosses, pressed for extra funding when she met Ms Armstrong. She told the minister that the current SRB programme - worth £18.7 million over seven years - was working well. She added: "It's a great boost to Keighley but needs building on. There are many 'needs' that do not come under the current criteria".

SRB money is spent on a range of schemes in the most deprived areas of Keighley to create jobs, fight crime, improve homes and support communities. A committee of local people fund projects in conjunction with other funders such as Bradford council, businesses and voluntary groups.

Cllr Hawksworth stressed that SRB success is due to this partnership element and the hard work and integrity of its members.

She later told the Keighley News: "The reaction from Hilary Armstrong was not negative. She appeared to be receptive to the possibility of bidding for a second time. The SRB scheme was granted by a Conservative government and steered by a Labour council - not bad going for a cross-party effort."

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