MAJOR plans to clean up an overgrown piece of land in the Fell Lane area of Keighley have been finalised.

Work at the derelict ‘Westfell Green Space’ has been announced following unsuccessful attempts to find out who owns it.

Politicians, public bodies and residents are teaming up to clear the site of waste, fly-tipping and overgrown brambles.

There will then be a series of hands-on workshops allowing local people to work with professional gardeners to improve the land.

They will build raised beds at the base of the trees, plant bulbs and vegetables, and create a wildflower meadow.

The team of volunteers also hope to trim overgrown trees on the land, which is at the corner of Fell Lane and Westfell Road.

The project is being spearheaded by Bradford Council community development worker Pip Gibson, Keighley West ward councillor Adrian Farley, and Yorkshire Housing, which rents out several houses in the neighbourhood.

After several local residents asked Cllr Farley whether anything could be done to improve the eyesore site, two well-attended consultation meetings were held, with more than 100 people signing up to carry out improvements.

Ownership of the land was unknown, and there were suggestions that it was either on residents’ title deeds or had been donated to the council.

Early this year Cllr Farley sent a letter to many local householders asking for evidence that they owned part of the land, by a deadline of March 31.

He said: “No one has forward to say if they do own the land they object to us tidying it up for the local residents.

“There is no evidence or information from local residents or the council that identifies ownership .”

Cllr Farley said this meant the project could go ahead, and he was delighted with the progress to date.

He added: “I am looking forward to seeing the land cleaned up for the summer for the residents in Westfell, Fell Lane and surrounding areas to enjoy."

Yorkshire Housing community investment manager Gillian Robinson said that Yorkshire Housing and builders’ merchants Travis Perkins were both supporting the project.

She said: “We know how important it is to invest in the communities that we serve. It helps to make those communities strong and resilient, and fosters community spirit amongst residents.

“This project at Westfell Road will not only benefit the residents who live here today, but will benefit and educate generations to come."