A bid for funding to restore and conserve the beauty of Cliffe Castle’s grounds has cleared a hurdle.

Bradford Council had applied for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to bring the Keighley park back to its former glory.

Its application passed the first stage of the bid, following an inspection and examination by the HLF.

Keighley Town Council has said that if the bid passes its second and final stage, more than £3 million of funding will be offered by the HLF.

However, Bradford Council has warned there is still no guarantee that the cash can be secured.

A voluntary organisation – the Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group – is now working to enhance the park’s landscape.

Members have succeeded in attracting support from the town council.

Councillor George Metcalf presented the group with a cheque for £1,000 from the town council’s Oak Fund.

A town council spokesman said: “The grant will be used to create a map of the park on the wall of the car park, showing the location of the park’s many attractions.

“It will help fund a number of finger posts in the park, helping visitors find their way to the aviaries, animals, children’s play area, café, bandstand and, of course, Cliffe Castle Museum.

“The conservation group is also hoping to encourage more events in the park, particularly using the bandstand. It would like to hear from any local organisations, dancers, musicians or bands that would like to perform in the park.”

The conservation group’s members hold meetings in Cliffe Castle Café on the last Thursday of every month, at 7pm.

Referring to the attainment of stage one of the bid for HLF funding, Bradford’s strategic director for environment and sport struck a note of caution. Ian Bairstow said: “While we welcome the award of a Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund First Round Pass for this project, it is still in the very early stages and no final decisions have been made.

“The prospect of external funding is welcome in any aspect of the council’s operations.

“But the current financial constraints mean that any project which involved combining substantial council funds with external grants has to be scrutinised very thoroughly, before it can be progressed.

“If the project proceeds, the council will need to consider the allocation of council resources to support it as part of the ongoing budget setting discussions.”