LEADERS of a Bradford community partnership will tell Council committee members they are now finally "well-placed" to spend £1 million to improve two areas of the city.

The GreenMoor Big Local programme was established back in 2012, when the Scholemoor and Lidget Green areas of Bradford were chosen as one of 150 communities across the UK to get at least £1 million to spend over ten years to make their part of the city a better place to live.

Those behind the project will present details of its first annual report, covering 2014/15, to members of the Bradford West Area Committee when it meets at City Hall tomorrow night.

The group previously presented to the committee in September 2012, outlining its initial programme of community consultation on how the money should be spent.

A report due to go before committee members tomorrow states: "Big Local is an exciting opportunity for residents to use at least £1m over ten years to make a massive and lasting positive difference to their communities.

"It works in Councils and other key stakeholders to develop a partnership approach to bring together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups, and organisations who want to make their area an even better place to live."

In their annual report, leaders of the GreenMoor Big Local scheme state they have now established six task groups, consisting of 55 members, to drive forward work in the local community.

The 'Safer and Stronger' group is aiming to reduce crime and improve public safety, 'Healthier Happier', is working to develop health and leisure facilities, and 'Richer not Poorer' is aiming to reduce unemployment by providing training and job search activities.

A 'Cleaner Greener' group is bidding to improve the local environment by extending community clean-up schemes, with groups also set up to extend youth work and engagement with local Eastern European communities.

A Small Grants scheme to "support and stimulate" local community groups began in 2014, with more than £14,000 distributed to 12 groups across the area, such as the Scholemoor Beacon group and the Lidget Green Community Partnership.

In an interim review of its progress, a Big Local spokesman wrote: "Progress has been slow in terms of expenditure, but we have built-up a well-established system of task groups involving a broad range of residents, stakeholders, and local leaders.

"Each task group was allocated up to £12,500 to use to carry out research and pilot projects.

"Board members were hesitant in making decisions, but this is improving as they are getting more experience and confidence in considering projects.

"We believe that we are now well-placed to get going with the actual project implementation stage, and that the time was needed for relationship-building and preparation."

GreenMoor Community Partnership Board chairman, Abbas Najib, added: "We have had a challenging yet exciting journey through the first years of Big Local.

"We are still a young organisation, listening, learning, developing, and taking shape. We remain ambitious for the future.

"It has taken a long time to take off, but we are now at a stage where we would be considering and implementing a number of projects that will improve the quality of life of the residents of the GreenMoor Big Local area.

"My vision for GreenMoor is a vibrant, happy, and healthy community where everyone feels safe and supported.

"Together, we will make GreenMoor the best it can be."

For more information, visit www.greenmoorbiglocal.org.