FUNDING has been approved for a range of initiatives across the Keighley district.

Eight so-called ward development grants have been agreed by the town council’s finance and audit committee.

The grants will enable councillors in Woodhouse & Hainworth, Riddlesden & Stockbridge, Oakworth, Morton & Sandbeds, Spring Gardens & Utley and Long Lee & Parkwood to support projects within their wards.

Cllr Mick Dowse is backing the Healthy Growth Initiative, which is providing food parcels for people hard hit by the pandemic.

At Riddlesden, Cllr Andrea Walker is supporting the provision of a bench in Casey’s Corner – a garden at the primary school in memory of Casey Mason, who died whilst a pupil there.

Oakworth councillors Mark Curtis and Luke Maunsell are paying for the village hall to have a grit bin installed and filled, as well as a supply of dog bags to refill dispensers around the area.

Cllr Maunsell said: “I am very happy that a new grit bin will be funded by the town council. The community trust which runs the hall has done a great job in making it a successful and vital community asset and this will only help make it more accessible for all.”

Cllr Michael Westerman has worked with East Morton Primary School where funding will support music lessons, subsidising pupils who may not otherwise be able to afford classes.

“I am more than happy to support this as a councillor but I believe this funding should be coming from central Government and even down the line Bradford Council,” he said.

“Every child should have the opportunity to take music lessons.”

Cllr Clare Abberton has secured funding for the first stage of work around the baby memorial area at Utley Cemetery. More details about the project can be obtained by emailing sarah.barnes@keighley.gov.uk or cllr.clare.abberton@keighley.gov.uk.

And councillors Leanne Wrench and Chris Graham are supporting the Friends of the Twines in a project to install a new footpath, improving safety for pedestrians and road users. “There is great work going on by a small group of volunteers that is really bringing the area back to life,” said the councillors.