IMPROVEMENTS to Keighley parks and play areas have been highlighted to local councillors.

Cliffe Castle, Park Wood, Devonshire Park and Marley sports centre were among facilities highlighted recently to Keighley Area Committee.

Members also learned how the recently-merged Street Cleansing and Parks And Green Spaces department was responding to ongoing public spending cuts.

The report to the Bradford Council committee revealed how the council was working closely on improvements with several community organisations including 'Friends' groups.

Heritage Lottery Fund activities at Cliffe Castle Park – which received a £5 million lottery boost in 2017? – would continue until 2021.

Recent Cliffe Castle projects include the mental health initiative Men In Sheds, which provides social activities for men, and the Stories From a Diverse Keighley exhibition.

In Devonshire Park, play area refurbishment includes the removal of existing equipment and the installation of new play opportunities.

A sketch design and cost estimate has been completed for a new BMX track and assault course at Highfield Recreation Ground, but no funding is it available

Ongoing projects also include interpretive signage four woodland at Parkwood, entrance signage for the Parkwood play area, and improvements at the Beeches and Thwaites Brow play areas.

Plans to create a multi-sports hall at Marley Activity and Coaching Centre are progressing, with consultation on the council's proposals due to be carried out soon.

The report outlined several recent completed projects, including footpath resurfacing in conjunction with Parkrun organisers at Cliffe Castle.

Outdoor gym equipment such as 'trim trail' items have been installed at Cross Roads Park, Holden Park in Oakworth, and the North Dean Road play area in Braithwaite.

Proposals for a memory garden planting scheme had been drawn up with the Friends of Haworth Park.

The council has set a £53,000 budget for the maintenance of children's play areas this year, covering 340 facilities across the district.

In the Keighley area there are 38 playgrounds, five skate parks, two BMX tracks, 10 multi-use games areas, seven five-a-side facilities, 12 trim tales, three outdoor gyms, and 16 teen shelters.

The council employs two maintenance workers carry out emergency and ongoing repairs to playgrounds rather district.

So far this year the council has received 16 complaints about facilities in the Keighley and Ilkley constituency, the majority to report damage. Locations have including Silsden Park, Cliffe Castle, Granby Lane in Riddlesden and the Beeches play area near Stockbridge.

The annual independent inspection of the district's play equipment was carried out in July this year.

The area committee heard that a Playable Spaces Strategy was being developed, to guide all future requests for play facilities. The council believes this will ensure facilities are fairly distributed across the district, and can be properly maintained and council budgets.