Public asked how to spend £20m in Keighley

A consultation was launched on Friday asking Keighley residents to give their views on how to spend Levelling Up funding

Bradford Council is asking the people of Keighley how up to £20m should be spent in the town.

A consultation was launched on Friday asking the public to give their views on how funding from the Department for Levelling Up should be spent.

It will be online until 21 July and seeks views on improving transport, tackling crime and enhancing the town centre including repurposing empty shops for new housing.

Chair of the Keighley Town Board Tim Rogers said: "We are here to listen and make lasting positive changes for the future."

'Shape our future'

Keighley was one of 75 places around the UK selected to share £1.1bn over the next 10 years, as part of the Long-Term Plan for Towns scheme from the government's Levelling Up programme.

The award is in addition to the £33.6m previously granted in 2021 through the Towns Fund.

The Keighley Town Board has been set up to oversee both streams of funding and will develop a long-term plan for Keighley and the surrounding "Brontë Country" area.

"My vision is to use this multimillion-pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment," Mr Rogers said.

"I really want to hear from people in all communities, and from businesses, schools and colleges in Keighley and the surrounding area on what they want to see.

"This really is our time to shape our own future over the next 10 years and beyond and I want to encourage everyone to have their say."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "This additional investment is testament to the good work of our Towns Fund Board in delivering the £33.6m secured already.

"£20m over 10 years will make a difference in the area, but it is important to us to find out how local people want to see the money invested.

"We'll initially be looking at the first three years, with a pipeline of projects to follow and there will be further opportunities for people to have their say."

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