A controversial children's home shut down after a catalogue of complaints from local residents is to re-open after a £100,000 refit.

The Hawksworth Drive home in Menston has been closed since January. It had been dogged by complaints from people in the surrounding upmarket residential area about the misbehaviour of its teenage charges - including the claim that some of the girls were involved in prostitution.

And the home was hit by tragedy when 15-year-old Peter Mavin died after a drug overdose.

It is now set to reopen as a home for eight much younger children, and social services bosses hope it heralds a new chapter in the home's history.

They want to foster better relations with the Menston community and will throw open the doors of the new-look building for an open day on Wednesday December 2.

"The home closed due to a planned shutdown, as the building needed renovating," said Richard Bates, of Bradford social services. "The village wanted the place shutting completely, that's how they felt about it. I think people now feel more positive. We have had some good feedback."

And today vice-chairman of Ilkley Parish Council Kathleen Brown said: "There is a feeling of good will towards the home. Let's hope that now the troubles of the past are behind us. I'm sure that people will be interested in going along to the open day."

The new youngsters will be eight boys and girls aged twelve and under. They all currently live in another children's home in Barkerend, Bradford - and can't wait to move out of the inner city.

Manager Maureen Pearson, who will be assisted by deputy Carol Nuttall, thirteen residential social workers and support staff, said the home would have a proper family atmosphere.

"The children are really looking forward to moving to Menston," Mrs Pearson said. "At the moment they have no grounds to play in and the Bradford Moor park is not a safe place for them."

The youngsters are already settled in schools across Bradford and will not be joining Menston schools.

"But," she said, "they are looking forward to becoming part of the life of the village, and being involved in things like guides and cubs."

The young people will be helping to think up a new name for the home.

Meanwhile social services is appealing for local people to become involved - either as a Friend of the home or as a mentor to the youngsters, help them with education or extra reading tuition.

Ilkley parish councillor Audrey Brand has welcomed the re-opening. She said: "It's a great improvement. Before, residents were apprehensive about the home.

"Now people feel they would like to get involved. Menston Methodist Church wants to get involved and take children out for day trips. People feel very much happier and would like to help these children along - it's a great relief."

And Councillor Anne Hawksworth (Cons, Ilkley), said: "We have to make it work for the community and children who come to it. The best way of doing that is by getting the community involved with the home and hopefully they can all move ahead together."

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