Hundreds of residents have been quizzed by a Christian charity which aims to breathe new life into a deprived Bradford estate.

Impact aims to live up to its name by targeting young people from its Canterbury Community Centre base in Dawnay Road.

And work is already under way to clear waste ground to make way for a security fence around the new football pitch.

"We want to encourage bored young people off the street and channel their energies into good quality supervised activities," said Nigel Delaney, chairman of Impact.

"Another priority is employment training and advice for the unemployed."

The new community drive follows a survey of local people carried out over three months. Members of 400 households on the estate were asked for suggestions on how life there could be improved.

There was strong support for the idea of a community caf, sports and gym facilities and a five-a-side football pitch.

Mr Delaney, who used to chair Lighthouse Outreach, said: "We have had a considerable amount of support from friends, including local residents, Bradford Housing, Bradford Recreation, and Safer Cities.

Many local companies and charitable organisations have all contributed tremendously.

Their support has been outstanding.

"We have already raised many thousands of pounds towards the project and we are currently clearing away a piece of waste ground for installation of 130 metres of security fencing around the new football pitch.

"1998 looks to be a very busy year for Impact and the Canterbury Partnership Trust with many new exciting community projects in the bag."

Impact is working with the Canterbury Partnership Trust, the Hutson Street Project, Cabins, and local churches on the initiative.

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