People living in the shadow of landmark Manningham Mills say it is vital to bring the building back to life as its dereliction continues amid wrangles over funding for a huge regeneration scheme.

A detailed research project commissioned by Manningham Community Association highlights the community's sadness as the empty historic building falls into further decline.

But the research project - Manningham Mills, Helping to Bridge the Divide - details ways in which the massive building can unite the community. The research, which was funded by a community regeneration grant, will be unveiled at a conference in Carlisle Business Centre tomorrow.

Researchers Louise Say, Shahzia Ashraf and Dr Val Harris carried out widespread public consultation, interviewing 180 people, distributing questionnaires and working with groups and organisations.

They found people wanted areas in the mill earmarked by owners Urban Splash for community use as:

l a cyber caf where people could have access to the Internet, computers and training. It would provide food from different cultures and people could learn about catering;

l an information point where details of organisations and resources would be available;

l a creative art space for use by the community and schools.

But the research is published as the Community Association members are forced to go from house to house to hold their meetings after being driven out of the mill by water which pours in from the skeleton roof.

The report says people are desperate for action and do not want the mill to fall into further decay. It concludes: "The mill is seen as a symbol to the local community of its past and the resulting decline in the area.

"But all would like to see it as a symbol of regeneration. It is a neutral place of great importance to local people."

"There is an immense amount of community pride in the area. Many people have been devastated by recent disturbances, which they feel have set back much of the hard work being done to improve the area."

The research comes as the owners Urban Splash continue talks about funding with Government regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward.

Urban Splash will provide most of the finance for the £18 million development it proposes which includes 160 apartments and offices.

Bradford Council has also decided to make allocations from funding it has received under the Government's Urban Renewal Fund but there is still a shortfall which the company is asking Yorkshire Forward to plug.

In the meantime the listed building is heading into another winter without the heavy repairs needed to protect it from gales, rain and snow.

Urban Splash director Bill Maynard, who has been in prolonged talks with Yorkshire Forward since his company bought the South Mill of the complex 18 months age, said: "We are as frustrated as the community. We hope to get a clearer view soon."

The Council is also involved in the discussions with Yorkshire Forward. Its executive member for the economy, Councillor Simon Cooke, said he was also frustrated by the long delay.

A Yorkshire Forward spokesman said a feasibility study into the regeneration of the mill was still going on.

l Tomorrow's conference is between noon and 2pm.