OPERATION Cleansweep came to Bracken Bank as residents spruced up the estate’s Sue Belcher Community Centre.

Around 50 people of all ages carried out DIY repair jobs, cleared the grounds and car park, tidied up, weeded, and repainted the building’s mural.

Planters were made from recycled decking and filled with seasonal bedding plants, and the Keighley Open Meadows community project provided support such as on-site catering.

Keighley Town Council and local tradespeople provided resources such as a mini digger.

Bracken Bank and District Community Association, which runs the centre, was supported by community worker Pip Gibson.

She said: “The day far exceeded my expectations and put the association in a good position to apply for significant funding for major structural repairs.

“This was the latest of a long line of events and activities that is gradually turning the Sue Belcher Centre into a fantastic example of a local community centre managed by local people.”

Pip said that in recent times the centre, on Bracken Bank Avenue, had suffered from repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

She added: “It is hoped that by clearly demonstrating good things can be done with a bit of hard graft and enthusiasm, everyone will make sure it becomes something the whole community can be proud of.”

Pip said the centre received some core funding from Bradford Council towards running costs, but everything else had to come through fundraising, grant applications and voluntary work by local people.

Jayne McDonnell, secretary of the association, said: “It was great to see the kids getting stuck into wet and mucky fun and doing something really useful for the community.

“We still need more people to get involved and join in as there’s still lots to do but we are getting there.”