Local councillors have welcomed the news that Barkerend Health Centre is to be redeveloped as part of the next wave of schemes approved by NHS Bradford and Airedale.

Councillors Ghazanfer Khaliq and Mohammed Shafiq have been campaigning for the existing building to be refurbished and have hailed the decision “a victory for common sense”.

It means that what was once an alternative site for a replacement health centre on Thornbury Road can now be made available for community use by the neighbouring Islamic Cultural and Educational Association.

Coun Shafiq said: “We are delighted that not only will the health centre be transformed but that, at the same time, we will be able to secure a site for the community.

“We fought hard to realise this outcome. On behalf of the community I would like to thank the chairman and directors of the Primary Care Trust for listening to us and taking a common sense approach which means everyone is a winner.”

Coun Khaliq said: “The revamp will mean people in Barkerend will have access to the modern and up-to-date health facilities they deserve.”

It follows a report in Thursday’s Telegraph & Argus about nine health centres, mainly in deprived areas, which are to be redeveloped. The board of NHS Bradford and Airedale agreed to go ahead, and a business case for each scheme will be considered by the board.

Last month the T&A reported how the Islamic Culture and Educational Association was granted the permission it needs to buy up a neighbouring piece of land to enable it to expand.

The ICEA has wanted to buy the Council-owned land at Thor-nbury Road since it built the Madni Jamia mosque in 2006.

Supporters had petitioned for all the land to be sold to them but the Avicenna Medical Practice which runs Barkerend Health Centre was also interested.

The Council decided to sell the land to the ICEA, with a condition forbidding residential development.