Shipley's 'Silicon Valley' will be boosted under new plans to revitalise run-down areas of the town.

Blighted buildings and derelict land in areas around Saltaire Road and Dockfield Road will be marketed to likely developers.

Under the scheme an all-out effort will be made to attract new high-flying businesses to join existing ones such as Pace and Filtronic.

The proposals from the opposition Labour group on Bradford Council won backing from Liberal Democrat members at a full council meeting last night. Conservative members abstain-ed.

Councillors voted to set up a new four-person panel to power forward the regeneration bid. The panel will be made up of the three major political parties plus Green Party member David Ford, who represents Shipley West.

Councillor Dave Green (Lab, Odsal), who put forward the plans, said: "The area has become a centre for hi-tech and electronics industries. Pace and Filtronic have a well-deserved world class reputation. There is massive potential.

"We need to look at it in a strategic way and identify sites with potential for development - for tourists, housing and retail."

Areas already earmarked for possible redevelopment include a derelict garage site on the corner of Otley Road and Dockfield Road, and under-used buildings in Saltaire Road.

The panel will decide what the boundaries of the regeneration area are and work with other landowners and local residents. They will market the area of land as a major development opportunity.

"It's a massive challenge and a massive opportunity," said Councillor Green. "We can make a sea-change difference not only to the local economy in Shipley but to the whole district."

He said the proposals would not cost the authority any money.

The aim is to create more local jobs, build on the existing success of the electronic and hi-technology industries in the area, and improve the number and quality of shops in Shipley town centre.

"By combining with the private sector we can come up with something that would be attractive to developers and could make a major change to the whole perspective of Shipley," said Councillor Green. He didn't know if the panel plan would produce success, but the Council had to "suck it and see" to find out.