BRADFORD Council could invest over £300,000 in a bid to secure up to £25m in economic development funding for Shipley and Keighley.

The authority’s budget, which is considered by the Bradford Executive on January 2, proposes £324,000 which could complement an initial government grant for developing detailed plans and proposals required by the government’s multi-billion pound Towns Fund.

Announced in November, the government’s Towns Fund is designed to "drive long term economic and productivity growth through investment in connectivity, land use, economic assets including cultural assets, skills and enterprise infrastructure."

Shipley and Keighley to benefit from funding of up to £25 MILLION

The Council will begin working on the plans with local businesses, residents and other stakeholders early in the New Year.

Officers are waiting for detailed guidance from the government which will guide the development of the towns’ investment plans.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive for regeneration, said: “This is part of Bradford Council’s continued commitment to supporting economic development across our district.

“This funding could be used to develop strong proposals giving us the best possible chance to secure tens of millions of pounds to boost jobs and investment in Shipley and Keighley.”