A scheme to rebuild Bradford's communities has been hugely successful despite criticism that it was naive.

A report of the first year of the Bradford Council's first Community Development Strategy published today shows targets were met and exceeded.

Chairman of the Council's community development committee, Councillor Ralph Berry, said: "Some people said it was all waffly words, but we now want to carry on to build on its success."

He said they had gone back to grass roots in the community to help develop schemes and create new groups.

Coun Berry said: "It is not all about the big schemes which get big publicity."

He said there had been big success with small schemes like the environment project at Frizinghall, and it was not necessary for them to be costly.

"We found there was a wealth of skills and experience there at the grass roots. I hope this demonstrates that community development is about practical, achievable actions which provide lasting local benefits," he added.

Achievements included:

West Bowling Regeneration Conference - a steering group for social, economic and physical regeneration;

Lilycroft Nursery School Garden - a community garden for children's play and organic food growing;

West Bowling Home Security Scheme - residents fitting low-cost security for the elderly and those on low incomes.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.