AN INITIATIVE that will generate £1.4 million for Keighley during the next five years has revealed its first plans to help revive the town centre.

A series of events is being staged aimed at bringing in more Saturday visitors.

Behind the venture is the Keighley Business Improvement District (BID), which will draw-up a package of rejuvenation plans.

"In our initial consultations we were told that Saturday afternoons, in particular, needed a boost, and that monthly events were important to attract local shoppers and people from surrounding areas," said BID manager, Paul Howard.

"We will be investing in a number of events through the year, on the last Saturday of every month."

The opening extravaganza, this Saturday, will be a mini street festival.

"It will be a fantastic day out for the family," added Mr Howard.

"We are bringing in some great acts to entertain our shoppers and there will be some surprises in store, too.

"There will be a number of events throughout the year.

"We are working with our partners to ensure Keighley town centre is the number one choice for local shoppers."

Mr Howard, who has experience running similar schemes in other towns, was appointed earlier this year to manage Keighley BID.

He will guide businesspeople as they put into action a range of improvement projects in the town centre.

Keighley BID chairman, Graham Benn, owner of DIY Solutions in Cavendish Street, said: "There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes at BID, and I'm pleased we've been able to pull together this first very visual part of the business plan.

"Future plans include better and more marketing for the town, working with the office sector on providing increased networking opportunities and improving car parking."

The BID secured a majority vote last November, with 78.6 per cent of businesses supporting the scheme in a ballot. Of the 131 votes cast, 103 were in favour.

Those behind the campaign hailed it as a massive opportunity for Keighley.

Bradford Council had worked with Keighley Town Centre Association to help a steering group put together its proposals.

As part of the venture, firms will pay a 1.5 per cent levy on top of their standard business rate – money used to make the town more attractive to potential customers.