Keighley could be in line for a multi-million-pound boost if a bid for European aid is successful. Two areas of Keighley are part of a plan to attract hundreds of millions of pounds to the Bradford district to help fight deprivation and industrial decline.

Nine existing wards - all in Bradford - already receive the Objective 2 funding but councillors now want to add a further four to the list as part of a seven-year plan. The four areas are Keighley South, Keighley West, Eccleshill and Heaton

At the launch of West Yorkshire's bid for European cash in Leeds yesterday, Cllr Ian Greenwood said: "Over the last ten years Bradford has benefitted from around £100 million of European Funding and we have a successful track record in managing and delivering EU programmes with local partners."

At the moment nine wards receive European Objective 2 cash - Bowling, Bradford Moor, Little Horton, Odsal, Shipley East, Toller, Tong, University and Undercliffe.

Cllr Greenwood said: "In Bradford the continuation of our Objective 2 Status is central to supporting jobs and investment.

"I firmly believe we have a strong case based on local need and unemployment levels compared to most other major urban centres in the UK.

"On the existing Object 2 programme, we get £15 or £15m a year.

"Obviously we want as much money as possible - we would expect something like £100m over seven years."

He said the Objective 2 cash would attract match funding which would take the total amount up to around £300m.

The council is relying on support from businesses to attract the investment and jobs which the city needs and its bid is based on continued "multiple deprivation" and overall decline in manufacturing jobs and competitiveness.

Bradford has joined together with Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield to draw up a joint bid for the European cash under the umbrella of the Association of West Yorkshire Authorities.

Chairman Councillor Brian Walker said at the launch of the bid today that there were 600,000 living in severe deprivation within the five councils.

"In Bradford the bid is based on multiple deprivation, local need and unemployment levels." he said.

"In Calderdale the bid sets out not just needs, but also opportunities for bringing benefits to individuals and businesses. In Kirkless two areas are being targeted - continuing Objective 2 support for North Kirklees and an additional bid for inner Huddersfield.

"This united approach is particularly important since we will not get another chance to win Objective 2 funding for seven years, if this is not a success - and there is intense competition across the country."

The bids will be incorporated in the regional bid by Yorkshire Forward - the area's regional development agency - and will be considered in London by Ministers who will then send it to Europe as part of Britain's bid.

It is part of the regional bid by Yorkshire Forward - the area's regional development agency - and will be considered by Ministers in London who will send it to Europe as part of Britain's bid.

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