Work has started on a £6 million scheme to breathe new life into the "gateway into Bradford".

Workmen have moved in to dig up Leeds Road in the first phase of a two-year regeneration programme.

The facelift will see Leeds Road between Birksland Street and the Killinghall Road and Laisterdyke Lane junction resurfaced. It is expected to be completed by next March.

Two further sections of the road between Thornbury and the city centre will be revamped by 2005.

The work is being co-ordinated by regeneration board Regen 2000, which plans to carry out a number of further improvements during the re-surfacing work. Projects in the Leeds Road scheme include landscaping, tree planting, seating, decorative painting in front of shops, new shop fronts and more car parking.

It is hoped the improvements will make Leeds Road more attractive for shoppers, residents, commuters and businesses in the area.

The £6 million programme is part of a funding package of £28.5 million granted by the Government from its Single Regeneration Budget for the area covering parts of the city centre, Little Germany, Undercliffe, Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Laisterdyke.

Housing improvements and job opportunities are also high on the agenda.

Nadim Qureshi, chief executive of Regen 2000, today said traffic problems would be kept to a minimum.

"We appreciate there will be some disruption in the short term. There will be a substantial gain to the businesses and community because Leeds Road will become a more attractive area to shop and eat."

A Regen 2000 business shop is to open at 524 Leeds Road, displaying the plans for the area, in the next few weeks.

The shop will also house news of community employment and education projects.

The Regen 2000 board has 25 members made up of community members and organisations including the police, Council and Health Authority.