A PROJECT to “address local challenges” in Keighley has attracted millions in European funding - but is struggling to get local support.

The town’s Community Led Local Development programme was awarded £2.4 million in EU funding last summer to carry out a series of projects, including helping people back into work, supporting entrepreneurship and allowing small start up businesses in Keighley to find their feet.

In total the project would see £4.8 million injected into the town - so the rest of the money had to be match funded by local organisations.

However, a recent report into the project revealed that it has struggled to find enough local organisations to provide the remainder of the money needed.

It says this is partly due to a “decline in the UK economy” meaning companies are unable to offer the support needed to move certain projects.

More 20mph limit zones in Bradford, Shipley, Keighley and Ilkley

It adds: “Unresolved, this inability to provide match funding will impact the successful delivery of the programme.”

Just 45 per cent of the projects have so far been fully funded due to these issues, with another seven in need of local support before they can move forward.

Bradford Council has helped to top up the scheme by £250,000, with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Businesses Rate Pool providing another £250,000, but more investment from local business is needed.

The project ends in 2022, by which time is is expected to have made Keighley “an enterprising, aspirational and positive place.”

The report, which went to Bradford’s Keighley Area Committee, meeting in Keighley Town Hall on Thursday, said efforts to secure more funding might include “Exploring interest from larger organisations, in a wider geographic area” and “explore broader political support.”

Members heard that projects that had been funded and moved forward included one that saw Keighley College offer training to people to get back into work, and one working with charity Project 6 to help provide people with employability skills.

They were told there was a “nervousness” by many companies to get involved, partly due to cash flow, and partly due to businesses not being able to spare staff to get involved.

However, representatives said they were still confident the schemes would progress, and work was planned over the Summer to encourage more companies to get involved.