Young entrepreneurs are queuing up to start businesses in the Manningham area of Bradford, according to regeneration bosses.

Dr Zulficar Ali, chairman of the Manningham and Girlington Single Regeneration Board, said there was a feeling of optimism but more resources were now needed to help the number of people flocking to the area.

The regeneration scheme was granted £9.7 million by the Government in 1998 and Dr Ali said it was now looking to attract additional funding.

He said: "Seventy three businesses have been established and we have used up all our start-up grants. There is a lot of interest from young people to set up businesses in the area and we are looking to secure more funding.

"There is a buzz around the area and huge potential which is being recognised. But we want more money to help more people and make the area even better.

"We are not saying reward the area for the riots but there are specific needs that the area has and they need to be addressed.

"We got the smallest grants compared with other areas and we are trying to do a lot with it. We have received many inquiries from businesses and communities wanting to stay and invest in Girlington and Manningham but we are not able to meet their demands owing to the financial resources for the next three years.

"Our programme has been over-subscribed and successful but we need support from all partners - Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Vision - to put Manningham and Girlington higher on the agenda."

Dr Ali also called on the Government to help resurrect Manningham Mills.

"We need to have support for this from the Government to bring life into the Manningham Mills area with its physical regeneration project in conjunction with Urban Splash.

"Many of the corridors to the city such as Manningham Lane and Oak Lane need visual improvement. Manningham Lane has got some great features, like Bradford Grammar School and Lister Park. Manningham definitely has a prosperous future ahead."

Dr Ali praised the work of chief executive Jake Piergies who has been at the helm for seven months.

Mr Piergies said: "We have spent £5m of our allocated money and £3.5m has been accounted for."

Oak Lane Shopkeepers' Partnership chairman Naweed Hussain said there was optimism in the area.

"We are getting a security camera and will be having a clean-up in the area to educate people about litter.

"There is a lot of good work going on. This is a fantastic area. Everything is here - it just needs promoting."