The man responsible for overseeing the spending of £4 million of government cash in the Highfield area began work this week.

Tony Mullin will work with community groups, businesses and local agencies to revitalise the area and improve the lives of residents.

A range of innovative projects will improve rundown houses, tackle crime and provide new facilities such as play areas and a community centre.

Mr Mullin, who lives in Steeton, works for Keighley Regeneration Partnership Board which successfully applied for the Highfield money.

The board is made up of Bradford councillors, business bosses, community leaders and other people living or working in Keighley.

Mr Mullin, 37, comes to Keighley after three years working on regeneration and community projects for Craven Council and a similar role previously in Durham.

Cheshire-born Mr Mullin believes Highfield and Craven, while very different areas, share some of the same concerns.

He expects to continue tackling issues such as crime, drugs, unemployment, lack of services and poor access to training.

Mr Mullin said: "The principles and philosophy are the same but some of the problems are different. The purpose is the same - to improve the quality of life."

The Highfield bid was successful due to the strong involvement of local residents and Mr Mullin will work closely with them to ensure projects are successful.

He said: "The programme is only for four years. The process of regeneration is going to take a lot longer.

"Eventually we're going to be dependent on the people of Highfield - they'll have to sustain the work. I am here to help and support them."

Mr Mullin will spend much of the first few weeks in his post meeting the people who will be involved in carrying out regeneration schemes in Highfield.

A detailed plan of the first year's spending - up to £330,000 between now and next April - is due to be approved by the Partnership Board soon.

The initial programme is expected to include improvements to Burgess Field including a kabadi and five-a-side pitch, street lighting improvements, health and education projects, traffic calming and the adaptation of a building for youth and community use.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.