Elections to the Single Regeneration Partnership Board went without a hitch this week despite fears of trouble.

The five successful new "community representatives" will help existing board members oversee work to create jobs, fight crime and improve homes in the most rundown areas of Keighley.

Chairman Andy Mudd this week praised the candidates for their good-natured behaviour and police and council officers for their professionalism during the elections.

He adds: "The turnout was fantastic - 60 per cent of our membership. It was a triumph for democracy. All these people were saying 'we want regeneration, we want to play a part in the future of Keighley'."

But one of the five men who won the election claimed the result was a vote of confidence in his own organisation rather than the SRB programme.

Khadim Hussain, who gained the highest number of votes, believes the hundreds of local Asians who voted were really passing judgement on the Sangat Community Centre in Lawkholme.

He adds: "It is one of the biggest issues in our community. People voted overwhelmingly for the services we provide. They have given us a mandate - we are their true representatives."

The election was originally due to be held at last month,s SRB annual meeting but organisers realised the venue was not big enough for the 400-plus people expected to attend.

The election was switched to the SRB office on North Street, with voters going in throughout the day on Tuesday.

Twelve local people stood for election, with each person voting for five names.

The winners were Khadim Hussain (707 votes), Younis Qamar (598), Michael Scarborough (493), Dick Taylor (476) and Mazhar Iqbal (476).

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