FINALLY Keighley will get a park with grandeur to rival Lister Park in Bradford and Roberts Park in Saltaire.

Work begins next month on transforming Cliffe Castle Park with £3.5 million of Heritage Lottery cash.

Bradford Council embarked on its Cliffe Castle dream project in 2006, soon after the lottery-funded revitalisation of Lister Park and while Roberts Park was still going through the same long process.

Officers began by approaching the Keighley News for readers’ ideas on what improvements and renovations were needed at the town’s favourite open space.

The Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group was formed to work with the council, first on drawing up the lottery grant bid, then on detailed blueprints for the transformation.

Heritage Lottery Fund bosses finally approved the grant in July 2013 and planning approval came late last year, as officers continued working in the background.

In the intervening years, we’ve seen the park get a new playground and Cliffe Castle Museum undergo refurbishment.

But what we’re really waiting for is the chance to see the Cliffe Castle Park returned to its Victorian splendour, while boasting amenities fit for the modern age.

Let’s hope ten years of effort, and several delays, are worthwhile and we really do get a shining jewel in Keighley’s crown.