BRAITHWAITE volunteers are making renewed attempts to find cash to renovate the estate’s sole remaining community centre.

Braithwaite People’s Association (BPA) is seeking grants to either repair or replace the much-used Keith Thompson Centre in Guard House Ring.

One wall of the single-storey building was replaced about two years ago and the BPA is looking at carrying out similar work in stages if it cannot secure enough cash for a complete renewal.

BPA spokesman, Alex Brown, said: “The building is in a dire state. If it rains in a certain direction we need about 15 buckets for the leaks.”

The refurbishment plan is part of a major campaign by the BPA to revitalise its long-established services for residents of the Braithwaite and Guard House estate.

The group held a fun day at the centre last Thursday to showcase its own plans, asked residents for their ideas and encouraged local organisations to work together for the good of the estate.

The BPA was formed by residents almost two decades ago and took over the Keith Thompson Centre after it was vacated by the Children’s Society.

The BPA owns the building and the land on which it stands is owned by social landlord Incommunities, which is supporting the BPA’s efforts to improve its facilities.

Bradford Council gives a core grant to cover costs such as electricity, and the centre’s volunteer-run cafe brings in extra income.

Mr Brown said: “We’re always looking for more people to help us fundraise for the new building.

“The problem with a new-build is we would have to shut down for a long time. With refurbishment we could do it a bit at a time.

"We will hopefully work with a funding expert from Incommunities to discover the type of funding we can go for.”

Mr Brown said the fun day, which included a bouncy castle, family games and face painting, had been a success.

Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action and Keighley Healthy Living both ran activities, and chatted with residents about their needs.

The BPA also consulted people on where future play facilities should be sited around the large estate.

Parents particularly wanted toddler equipment to complement an existing playground for older children in Braithwaite Avenue near Merlin Top Primary School, and a play area for teenagers on the former Unity Flats site in Coronation Way.

Mr Brown said decisions were expected soon on grant applications for a new playground off North Dean Road near the cat steps.