An historic club which was destroyed by fire in the Bradford riots could return to its heyday of popularity after a surge in membership.

Girlington and District Conservative Club, which is creating a new £400,000 base off Thornton Road, has received scores of applications to join.

Its former building in Roundthorn Place was destroyed after a petrol bomb was hurled through a window but this week the roof went on at the new site on Leaventhorpe Lane.

David Parrott, president of the club, said it had been inundated with applications which had given the committee a big boost.

"It is brilliant news," he said.

"We have about 130 members now but hopefully we can get it back to its heyday in the 1960s and 70s when we had 250 to 300 people."

The club has been meeting at St William's Church Hall in Ingleby Road, Lidget Green, but at one point it dropped to a core of 30 people.

"I am more worried about losing existing members who haven't been back and may drift off than getting new members," said Mr Parrott.

The new building, which includes a snooker room, has been funded by £360,000 from the insurance company and the rest with a loan from a brewery.

It was due to open on February 17 but work has been delayed due to bad weather and it is now expected to be ready by the end of April.

"It will mean the end of a long struggle which started on Monday, July 8, 2001, when we decided to resituate, and rebuild," said Mr Parrott. "The members can look forward to a brand new building and a new start."

Frank Dunphy, club secretary, said he was delighted at the response from people who wanted to make a success of the club.

"It is a good site next to the fire station and has a car park. It's next to the shops and on a bus route so it has quite a lot going for it," he said.

For more information about the club, contact Mr Dunphy on 07866 844699.