'COSMOPOLITAN' Guiseley is enjoying a major housing boom, a leading estate agent has claimed.

An influx of trendy bars and restaurants, good shops and schools and a rail link to Leeds have all contributed to an increase in the number of people wanting to move into the area.

Developers are snapping up land and Cannons is due to open its new health club at the former Arnold Lavers site at White Cross.

Peter Toothill, office manager at estate agents Dacre, Son and Hartley at Guiseley, said: "Guiseley has always been a popular area, with good local amenities and schools, but over the last few years we have experienced a new energy in the town epitomised by an increase in leisure facilities and a major supermarket development from Morrisons, which seems to have set in motion retail trend."

"This has had a knock-on effect with residential developers looking to meet the area's demand. We recently sold a two bedroom second floor apartment at Redwald Drive for £110,000 and a contemporary semi-detached town house at Edwin Avenue for £189,950. Both properties sold within weeks, with one bought as an investment property - there are clearly positive expectations from private landlords."

Mr Toothill said there had always been a demand in Guiseley for four bedroom family homes, but in some areas demand had been higher than expected.

"These areas include Tranmere Park, where an elegant four-bedroom detached house, with spacious rooms, can command an asking price of around £400,000."

He added the area was also a favourite for first time buyers with properties under £100,000 being snapped up often within the first week of going on the market.

"Guiseley offers a more rural alternative to Leeds city centre, but with no loss of metropolitan atmosphere.

"With the continuing popularity of the city, we expect the Guiseley property market to continue to prosper. With good rail and road links, and impressive new developments within the town, it is an excellent area for homebuyers looking to settle in the region."