The man who headed the inquiry into the two nights of violence in the summer of 1995 welcomed the £9.7million boost for Manningham, but stressed there were other very needy areas in the district.

John Barrett, chairman of Bradford Commission said: "I believe a lot of money is needed and it is essential for the council to deliver a coherent strategy. It will help to overcome the desperate problems they have been facing."

The panel's report found many problems, but the main message which came through was the desperate state of mind of young people who could not get jobs.

The award was also welcomed by Commissioner Mohammed Taj, who distanced himself from the findings of the panel, but brought out his own supplementary report on the crisis.

He said: "I hope they will put this money to good use. I have spoken to many residents and they have told me there are no improvements or concrete action."

He said that the lottery funding was "tarting the park up," but few were using it after a certain time of the day.

Council leader John Ryan said: "This is great news for Manningham and Girlington. The extra money will help us tackle the many problems facing one of the most disadvantaged areas of the district.

"This is a great chance to target the long term prospects of Manningham and Girlington and I hope that members of the community will play a full part in the regeneration of their area."

Mohammed Amran, of Manningham Young People's Forum said: "Young people here are desperate for jobs. The news is very good."

General secretary for the Council for Mosques Khadim Hussain, who has four youngsters aged from 16-24 said: "All my children were born in this area and I am well aware of the problems. There is anger and frustration. Drugs have become a major problem and there are many burglaries."

Councillor Shukat Ahmed (Lab, University) who led the bid, said trades and businesses in Manningham had suffered from the riots and needed investment to become viable and provide jobs. "The young people here are our future."

Secretary of Bradford National Union of Teachers, Ian Murch, said: "It is good news, but it is a pity it applies only to this area.

"I would like other deprived areas to get the same level of support."

Secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, Ian Davey, said: "We look forward to the enhanced nursery provision."

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