WORK has started on the £4.5 million restoration project to return Cliffe Castle Park to its former glory.

Bradford councillor Sarah Ferriby visited the Keighley Park to see demolition work begin on the old Glass House.

Councillor Ferriby, the council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, met members of the team overseeing the extensive renovations over the next ten months.

The project is being delivered by the local authority and is jointly funded by the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People programme.

The castle’s grounds will be restored to their Victorian splendour with features including a new palm house and a cafe terrace.

Pathways will be repaired and new planting will take place. Features that have been neglected, such as the fountain in the park and decorative lights, will be put back in working order.

The old Glass House range will be replaced with new structures manufactured in materials which will reflect the look and feel of the original working glasshouses.

Cllr Ferriby was accompanied by Dave Bennison, the technical manager for parks and green spaces, and members of the Cliffe Castle Conservation Group.

She said: “I’m delighted that work has started on this fabulous project and I’m really looking forward to seeing this park revitalised.

“The Cliffe Castle Museum has enjoyed a revamp and now restoring the park will be the final piece in the jigsaw. I’m sure it will attract even more visitors from far and wide.”

A spokesman for Cliffe Park Conservation Group said: “We’re pleased that work has at last started on the Heritage Lottery-funded restoration of Cliffe Castle Park.

“We have spent a lot of time at meetings, studying and discussing plans. We look forward to seeing the key features of the Park take shape.

“The careful planning that allows the park to remain open while the work takes place and is much appreciated by the Group.”

The park and museum will remain open throughout the works, though people should be aware of additional traffic in and around the park.

The museum is currently hosting an exhibition by members of Keighley and District Photographic Association, showcasing technical advances since the started 127 years ago.