A KEIGHLEY housing complex for elderly and disabled people has opened up its own community centre for its residents.

The new facility at Hillworth Village was officially launched last Monday (Feb 20) by local historian Ian Dewhirst, at an event held in memory of Shaheen Akhtar – the late mother of the family which owns and runs the complex in Oakworth Road.

Mrs Akhtar died in 1990, leaving her husband Mohammed Bashir and six children.

The centre is in what used to be a ground floor, one-bedroom flat.

Mr Dewhirst cut a ribbon to open the centre and gave a short speech about the history of the Hillworth Village site. Guests at the occasion were treated to a buffet meal.

Hillworth Village manager Mohammed Ammer explained: "The centre is to help elderly people at the complex integrate with each other and to create a homely community spirit.

"The centre will reach out to the elderly and provide them with a place to sit and chat with friends, as well as enjoy social activities.

"We're looking at improving and adding additional services to the complex for our current clients at the village and for future clients.

"My father Mohammed Bashir, who is the founder of Hillworth Village, is very proud of the complex and wants to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of the people who live here.

"Mr Dewhirst was chosen by us to open the centre, as he's a very talented man who has worked closely with us on the history of the village prior to my dad taking it over."