MAJOR new plans have been drawn-up to help improve and rejuvenate areas of Keighley over the next five years.

The town’s Big Local partnership has produced its third and final package of measures, for the period until 2026.

Partnership leaders say the aim is to “make Keighley an even better place to live”.

The plan would draw £450,000 of Local Trust funding, but with the potential for matched funds of up to £300,000.

BUPA Foundation has already offered match funding for a project and other funders have expressed interest in backing schemes.

Measures included in the latest package are the continuation of an outdoor play programme, the enhancement of the River Worth corridor, the promotion of plastic-free communities, a social enterprise campaign, continued growth of a community radio station and supporting business start-ups.

A decision on the schemes from the Local Trust is expected within weeks.

Keighley Big Local’s partnership comprises residents, supported by ‘Friends’.

Shaun O’Hare, from Big Local, said: “The Friends are salaried workers drawn from local government, the youth service and Keighley College plus elected members, all of whom have experiences related to what the partnership aims to achieve.

“The first plan, for 2016-18, was about finding our feet and quick fixes – and it focussed on the environment and play. We introduced a hugely-successful outdoor play programme and through blood, sweat and tears built ‘The Rec’ play area in Hainworth.

“The second plan – covering 2018-21 – saw further investment in the environment, in Hainworth Wood Community Centre and Keighley youth services and the creation of a community radio station. Projects were more ambitious, with a £150,000 partnership with Unltd offering grants for business start-ups and a £1.1m partnership with Keighley College supporting people into employment.”

Local Trust – which was established in 2012 to deliver Big Local, a lottery-funded programme, to 150 neighbourhoods ­­­– stresses the importance of communities contributing ideas.

Keighley partnership chairman, Fiona Thompson, said that in 2015 the town was “on the cusp” of losing its chance to secure £1m in funding – but the day was saved by free ice creams!

She said: “In return for an ice cream, over 400 residents took part in our ‘cone-sultations’ and completed questionnaires and produced plans and videos on how they could make Keighley an even better place to live.

“Now we are recognised by Local Trust and other national bodies for our innovative practice, achievements and effective partnerships. And we haven’t stopped – we have some amazing projects in the pipeline!”