CAFE owners are allowing Keighley regeneration volunteers to meet in their premises to plan the next phase of improvements.

Keighley Big Local partnership board members are able to get out of the autumn cold to hold meetings or consult fellow residents about their ideas.

They have been offered space to meet monthly at Mother Hubbards fish restaurant in Stockbridge and De Cafe in Dalton Lane.

The residents are carrying out a £1 million programme of improvements along the ‘Keighley Valley’ from Stockbridge to Ingrow.

Big Local coordinator Shaun O’Hare said volunteers had been keeping in touch with residents throughout the year by hosting street corner meetings, but this was not suitable in winter.

Mr O’Hare said: “Socially responsible small businesses like Mother Hubbards and De Cafe play an important role in creating a vibrant local community.”

“Projects being developed include leisure learning classes, sports, youth activities, improving the street scene and working with local business to improve community facilities.

“These regular meetings are also invaluable to services such as the local authority, police and fire service as they provide opportunity point of contact with residents to share information and local intelligence.”