Home Secretary Jack Straw kept a promise made to Ravenscliffe residents in 1998 by returning to the estate yesterday. Crime Reporter Joanne Earp accompanied him on his whistle-stop visit.

DERELICT DECAYING houses, boarded-up and reinforced with metal grilles provided the backdrop for the first half of our Ravenscliffe tour.

Speed bump after speed bump slowed the convoy of cars to a crawl - giving the Home Secretary more than enough time to take in the depressing landscape.

On his visit to the same run-down estate two years ago he reassured residents there was light at the end of the tunnel, but added it would take time for things to change.

Driving past the empty houses in Ranelagh Avenue and neighbouring streets, Mr Straw must have been preparing to eat his words.

But a swift right hand turn changed the mood as we came face to face with a new North British Housing Association development.

The new properties - with their double-glazed windows, fitted kitchens and neat gardens - are just one example of the regeneration which has taken place in the 28 months since the Home Secretary's last visit.

Another is the multi-play area at the rear of Ravenscliffe Youth Centre - built with funding from Bradford Council, the Newlands Single Regeneration Budget and North British Housing Association - which he was officially invited to open.

As he made his way to the unveiling of the plaque he was met by 10-year-old Eccleshill North Middle pupil John O'Riley, who told him he too wanted to be an MP and "make things better" for people.

The Home Secretary took time out to respond. "I was brought up in an area like this. I know that sometimes you think you may not have the opportunities other people have, but I came from a similar background and look where I am now," he told the youngster.

Mr Straw then turned his attentions to the crowds of people who had followed his every step: "I have spoken to a number of residents and community workers privately, and the overall message is most of you think the changes have been for the better.

"When I came here two years ago I said I wanted to return and see a change. I've seen better housing and a new play area which provides a focus for youngsters.

"That's coupled with the fact the police are working well with the community. Crime overall in West Yorkshire and Bradford has come down, particularly burglary rates. There is plenty to look forward to."

The majority of residents seemed to be visibly cheered by the Home Secretary's words of optimism. And, by the time his entourage had made its way off the estate the driving rain had been replaced by sunshine.

OPINION SEEMS divided among residents as to whether the regeneration on Ravenscliffe estate and in other parts of the Newlands area has been for the better.

It is a debate which formed the basis of an impromptu question and answer session between residents and the Home Secretary.

Pat Quirk, of the Ravenscliffe Community Association, said: "It's a crying shame that houses are being pulled down. Some of them were only refurbished seven years ago.

"Surely if you have a good letting policy you can get good tenants into those houses and raise the standard, rather than pulling them down. That's just a waste of money."

Mr Straw said one of the things learned from several regeneration projects across the country was that problems could not be solved through money alone.

He said: "It does seem like a waste of money, but putting new kitchens in old houses isn't a way to regenerate an area. You have to improve the areas themselves.

"You need a mix of regeneration projects and the right mix of local authority, housing association and privately owned properties."

Ravenscliffe resident Alison Gowthorpe, told the Home Secretary the main problem on the estate was still drugs.

She said: "Things are improving but there is still a long way to go. My son is a heroin addict who has been in and out of prison. He's been there and got the T-shirt. When he comes back to the estate there is nothing for him."

But Susan Brooke, who has lived on the estate for 27 years said multi-million pound funding and regeneration of the last six months had given residents renewed hope for the future.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.