AN independent report has highlighted a surge in use of Keighley's Cliffe Castle Park since the completion of a major restoration project.

The document was produced for submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of an evaluation of investment in the £4.5 million scheme.

Bradford Council had successfully bid for £3.5m from the lottery's Parks for the People programme towards the cost of the initiative.

The report marks the conclusion of the seven-year restoration project.

Work centred around the refurbishment of the original park buildings, the recreation of the Victorian glass palm house – complete with a new, 26-tonne dome – a new cafe, replacement aviary and a pond and water features.

Other elements restored to their original splendour include ornate gates at the Skipton Road entrance, two Italianate marble fountains which last worked in the 1970s and decorative street lights, including a cast-iron dolphin lamppost which was made to the same design as those on the Thames Embankment in London.

The bandstand was also given a new lease of life along with footpaths, railings, fencing and the boundary walls.

Additions to the park include heritage-style seating and waste bins and urns.

According to the report, visitor numbers to the park have exceeded targets – with 90 per cent more visitors since 2017, when the main phase of the restoration was completed.

Since the refurb, the museum and park have earned a Green Flag Award and there has been a full programme of activities – including a garden party and Christmas at the Castle event, which each attracted over 5,000 people.

Also highlighted is an increase in volunteering and partnership working.

The Cliffe Castle Support Group has been created, building on the work of both the Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group and the museum Friends.

Parkrun has brought nearly 200 runners to the park every Saturday morning.

Manorlands Sue Ryder hospice has staged a number of fundraising events there.

And the Bradford branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society is using its expertise to work on the planting of new displays, sourcing additional plants and carrying out ongoing maintenance.

The restoration – which last year won a Local Authority Building Control award – has also enabled Cliffe Castle's already-strong links with schools in the area to be further developed, with activities including a literacy festival and a cross-country running competition.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: "The original vision for the park was to restore and renovate it so that communities have access to a well-designed site, maintained to Green Flag standards, and have a wide range of opportunities to learn about its heritage value.

"Visitors really appreciate the difference the restoration has made and work on the project at Cliffe Castle has fulfilled that original vision.

"Cliffe Castle with its restored grounds and museum is a great asset for Keighley and the whole of the district and there are some fantastic events planned for this year."