A Bradford housing estate notorious for drugs, crime and vandalism has had a makeover and won the support of Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong.

Tenants of the Ripleyville estates in West Bowling, have transformed their estate with a £2.2 million regeneration project to be visited by the minister on Tuesday.

The estate, managed by the Bradford & Northern Housing Association, provided cash, along with the association, Europe and the Government.

Cheryl Hurley, chairman of the Ripleyville Tenants' Association, said today: "Four years ago this estate had a great many drug and crime-related problems and nobody knew their neighbour.

"Today the estate is completely refurbished, there is a waiting list for flats and people are actually proud to live here."

The money paid for the refurbishment of the 164 flats, which now have fitted kitchens, double glazed uPVC windows, improved central heating. They have been rewired and replastered and a door entry security system added.

The minister will meet parents and children at the toddler group set up by the tenants' association and run by volunteer residents. She will also see the Kool and Kicking Club, attended by more than 30 young people from the estate.

Desmond Oxley, B&N Housing's chief executive, said: "We still have a lot of work to do at Ripleyville to improve the social and economic prospects of the community.

"But we are continuing to work with residents, who are taking an active interest in the community, and are very optimistic about the future."

The minister is also due to visit the Urban Village Scheme in East Parade, Keighley, which is being funded through the Keighley SRB scheme.

For lunch she will visit the Shimla Spice Restaurant in South Street, Keighley, which has won cash from the Single Regeneration Budget fund.

The minister will then come back to Bradford and the Carlisle Business Centre for the Brunel Tenants' Forum Conference organised by Bradford-based Brunel Housing Association.

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