One of Saltaire's least-attractive areas is set to be transformed as a permanent memorial to Jonathan Silver, the man who almost single-handedly breathed new life into the village.

A living memorial to the entrepreneur is to be planted by his widow Maggie.

And villagers are hoping the site of the former bath and wash house will become known as Jonathan Square in recognition of his contribution to Saltaire.

Mrs Silver, whose 47-year-old husband lost his two-year battle against cancer last September, is due to plant a silver birch at the site in Caroline Street tomorrow.

The tree-planting ceremony is part of a wider scheme - being carried out in memory of Mr Silver - to brighten up the site, which is backed on to by a row of drab-looking garages.

The project is being undertaken on behalf of Saltaire Village Society by horticultural students from Shipley College, thanks to a £350 Neighbourhood Challenge grant from Bradford Council's Shipley Constituency Area Panel.

Wooden trellising has already been put up behind the garages and will soon be covered by a host of colourful climbing plants, while the silver birch will grow near the middle of the Yorkshire flagstone-covered square.

Mrs Silver said she was sure her husband - who sparked a revival in Saltaire's fortunes when he bought derelict Salts Mill ten years ago-- would have approved of the scheme.

And commenting on the idea to carry out the scheme in Mr Silver's memory she said she was "very deeply touched'', adding: "It's a sweet and lovely thing to do.''

Village society treasurer Eddie Lawler said: "It was the students themselves who suggested planting a silver birch in Jonathan's memory.

"It's beautifully appropriate because of the name but it also makes sense horticulturally because they're good town trees, which are attractive in winter and don't have a heavy and therefore hazardous leaf-drop in autumn.

"It is hoped that funding can be found for an enamelled sign - in keeping with the first-name street signs in Saltaire - and to call the site Jonathan Square.''

Society chairman Clive Woods said: "It's an excellent scheme being carried out in partnership between the college and village, which will help brighten up a drab part of Saltaire by covering up the garages so they don't look so much of an eyesore.''

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