Residents on a Spen estate could soon be borrowing anything from paint strippers and paintbrushes to ladders and lawnmowers to spruce up their homes and gardens.

The "tool library" on the 439-home Windy Bank estate in Hightown, Liversedge, would aim to help hard-up families who cannot afford expensive DIY and gardening equipment.

The initiative would the first of its kind in Kirklees but could be modelled on a similar successful project on the Furness estate in Halifax.

Frank Dyson, treasurer of Windy Bank Residents and Tenants Association, said: "Some of us from the association went to Furness to see the tool library and were very impressed.

"We were amazed at all the types of equipment people can borrow, everything from hedge trimmers to garden hoses and rakes.

"It think it is a great idea and a tool library at Windy Bank would help people to decorate their homes, keep their gardens tidy and improve the appearance of the estate.''

The tool library is one a number of projects families on the estate have suggested is started up if a bid by Kirklees Council for European funding is successful.

The local authority has applied for £300,000 to the European Regional Development Fund for community projects in North Kirklees. These include Brooklyn estate in Cleckheaton and Fieldhead estate in Birstall.

Gill Robinson, the Council's senior community development officer, said: "The tool library at Windy Bank is just one of a number of schemes residents have come up with during ten public meetings held on the estate this year.

"These include refurbishing the youth annexe at R M Grylls Middle to turn it into a youth and community centre.

"It could mean providing a new kitchen, better heating, crche facilities, running courses with the help of Dewsbury College, giving advice on benefits and getting Joblink to help unemployed people find jobs.

"Another plan is to have a one-stop shop to give young people information on health issues and the parents and toddlers' group want the toy library at High Bank First School extended."

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