Highfield's bid for £4 million of new regeneration cash is 'going well', according to government officials.

They made the comment after reading a draft version of the 23-page application for Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Round Five funding.

The document, which sets out the community's case for cash, features the views of hundreds of residents as well as local agencies. It sets out the problems facing the neighbourhood and innovative ideas to improve its housing, clean up the environment and revitalise the community.

Council officer Jake Piergies, a leading light of Keighley's existing £18.7 million SRB regeneration programme, wrote the application. He drew on the results of public meetings and a questionnaire filled in by a massive 25 per cent of residents.

Details of the bid will be revealed during a public meeting on Monday, April 19 (7-9pm), at the Temple Row disabled people's centre. Minor changes may be made before the final version will be sent to the government in time for the April 30 deadline.

Highfield, which is competing for cash against several other areas of the UK, will hear whether its bid is successful in May.

The bid details the pressures faced by the 6,500 people, half white and half Asian, who live in the Highfield area. It is focussed on a central area of 3,322 people bordered by North Street, Devonshire Park, West Lane, Cartmel Road and the top of Devonshire Street.

Proposed measures include refurbishment of terraced homes and new play areas and community facilities.

, park safety improvements and the appointment of a "Highfield Champion".

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