A BRADFORD councillor has called for action at a former youth and community centre repeatedly hit by suspected arsonists - saying it "cannot continue to be a magnet for anti-social behaviour".

As reported by the Telegraph & Argus yesterday, firefighters were called to a blaze at the derelict Greenwood centre on Wood Lane, Swain House, on Monday night.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said it was the third time crews had attended the site in the past week, adding that police had been informed and an arson investigation was underway.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: How the fire-hit building looked when the Telegraph & Argus visited the siteHow the fire-hit building looked when the Telegraph & Argus visited the site (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

Labour Councillor Si Cunningham, who represents Bolton and Undercliffe on Bradford Council, reacted to the latest developments. 

He said: "Like all local residents, I'm extremely concerned about this latest incident at the former Greenwood centre and I'm repeating my calls for some clarity over the future of the site.

"We did have a really strong bid in to the Government's Levelling Up fund to build a new community centre, but unfortunately our ward wasn't chosen.

"Since then I've been asking for action to be taken to either secure the building or demolish it and use the land for something else.

"Whatever happens now, the site cannot continue to be a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

"I'll be visiting local residents to discuss their views on what needs to happen next.

"In the meantime, I thank WYFRS for its swift response, and would urge anyone with information about who's responsible for mindless acts of vandalism to report them to police in confidence via 101."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Firefighters at the scene on Monday nightFirefighters at the scene on Monday night (Image: Submitted)

Inspired Neighbourhoods said it had plans to refurbish the building into a community hub offering vital services such as mental health support.

John Steele, chair of Inspired Neighbourhoods' board of trustees, said: "The recent setback due to the fire is indeed disheartening.

"The Greenwood Youth Centre holds significant importance to us and the community, as we had plans to refurbish it into a vibrant community hub offering vital services such as mental health support, welfare assistance and various community activities.

"We are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire and are committed to working closely with the relevant authorities, including WYFRS, to address any safety concerns and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

"Our priority remains the well-being and safety of the community, and we are determined to continue our efforts to revitalise the centre into a thriving space that serves the needs of the local residents."