AN ECONOMY-boosting initiative which could see more than £1 million pumped into Keighley has won the backing of councillors.

A report presented to the town's area committee won the seal of approval from members.

Under the scheme, traders would pay a 1.5 per cent levy on their business rates to fund a raft of improvements in the town centre aimed at attracting more visitors and investment.

If successful, Keighley’s creation of a so-called Business Improvement District (BID) would be worth more than a million pounds over five years.

Town centre manager Philip Smith, who attended last Thursday's area committee meeting, said: "The BID proposal was very well received by members and I am delighted that they have agreed their support."

There are currently about 200 BIDs nationwide.

A range of projects and services is agreed through consultation and the package is then voted on by all businesses in the area.

Mr Smith said the findings of a questionnaire, distributed to Keighley businesses to gauge what type of projects they would like to see money spent on, are currently being analysed.

The Keighley initiative is being spearheaded by Keighley Town Centre Association.