MORE parts of Keighley's historic town centre have been restored to their former glory thanks to regeneration work funded by a major grant scheme.

The Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), a £2.7million programme backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Bradford Council, has been working with property owners in the Keighley Town Centre Conservation Area. The scheme has been focusing some of its latest efforts on Church Street.

Sue Oakley, Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative officer, said: "Church Street is at the heart of the old town of Keighley, where the street layout is organic and the older buildings have a distinct character, with stone slate roofs and simple detailing.

"28 to 34 Church Street, which is opposite Hattersley Crescent, has been restored. Three new shop fronts were replaced with replicas of the late Victorian shop fronts that would have been on this older building. Sash windows were fitted, and the heavy strap pointing was replaced with lime pointing which softens the look of the facade.

"Work to the Red Pig pub is almost complete. The heavily patterned render has been removed from the facade, revealing the stonework beneath.

"This has been re-pointed and the windows have been painted. A new door has been fitted to replicate the original. This has been a very interesting project as the condition of the stonework was unknown until the render was removed.

"Eastern Taste at 4 Church Street has also had a makeover, with the shop front restored using evidence of the original joinery on site and from old photos.

"The pavement and road alongside Church Green was replaced last year with stone flags and setts.

"More property owners on Church Street are interested in grant funding, and with just over a year to go the THI is still making great improvements to the area.

"All of this work has been possible thanks to Townscape Heritage Initiative funding. Property owners and Keighley Town Centre Association have also contributed to the cost of the work on Church Street and made these improvements possible."

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council's executive member for Housing, Planning and Transport, said: "Church Street is in the historic core of Keighley and it is great to see property owners engaging with Bradford Council to restore their buildings.

"The Townscape Heritage Initiative is really making an impact on this part of town and with just over a year to run it has the potential to improve the area even more."