The regeneration of the Royds area of Bradford has been something of a success story so far. The cosmetic improvements made to the area have been recognised by national awards. The part of Bradford covered by the Royds scheme is now a much more aesthetically-pleasing place to live.

And now the project has come to the heart of the matter: the new jobs which were intended from the very start to go hand in hand with the environmental improvements and help to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of local people.

It is very encouraging that work has now begun on building the £6 million Enterprise Park, a business and conference centre in the heart of Buttershaw which it is envisaged will create 200 new jobs. As a spokesman for Yorkshire Forward put it, this business park is the "last piece of the jigsaw that has brought about the social and economic regeneration of the Royds area".

If all goes according to plan, in 18 months the project will be completed and will house 48 businesses in various-sized units, offering a range of jobs.

Bradford Council, which donated the land in Bellerby Brow on which the business park is being created, has demonstrated faith in the project and in Royds Community Association, which is behind it. So has Yorkshire Forward, which has invested heavily in it.

It is to be hoped that the business community now shows a similar confidence to ensure that once the building work is completed the anticipated employment opportunities quickly follow.