Four major housing developers have expressed an interest in continuing the multi-million pound Bierley housing regeneration scheme.

The news has been regarded as a much-needed boost for the area which is locked in a housing crisis.

In January, the Telegraph & Argus revealed that Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association had pulled out of the £22 million scheme, leaving dozens of people in three streets without new homes to move into.

Residents in Bell House Avenue, Sayle Avenue and Heathhall Avenue have now agreed to stay in their run-down homes until new ones become available - possibly in two years' time.

Work is already under way by the Council and ward Councillors to provide them with new homes.

Ian Simpson, principal area housing manager for Bradford Council, said he would now write to the four companies to submit detailed housing plans for the area.

The successful applicant would be selected in the summer and it is hoped the developer could start building up to 200 affordable homes priced in the region of £35,000 t0 £40,000 later this year.

Mr Simpson stressed that work was still continuing to secure new homes for residents that wanted to just rent homes.

He said: "We are still holding talks with the Housing Corporation and Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association to resolve the situation."

Councillor John Ruding (Lab, Tong) said: "I am sure that the people of Bierley will be delighted with the news."

Coun Ruding stressed that it was important that the area provided not just homes to rent but properties for sale.

"A lot of people don't realise that a house is a lot less to buy than they think. But we do need a mix of properties and population in the area," he said.

A site has already been earmarked for the 200 affordable homes on the estate.

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