A NEGLECTED plot of land in the middle of a Bradford estate will be transformed into a vibrant community area thanks to a £100,000 makeover.

The eight-acre patch of land on the Canterbury Estate, next to Horton Park Primary School, is currently unkempt and blighted by regular flytipping.

But plans are now underway to create sports pitches, a bike and running track and play equipment that will be used by the school and open to the wider community.

Working with Bradford Council, the school has been successful in securing £65,645 from the landfill tax funder WREN and £20,000 from Public Health.

The school has also committed over £30,000 towards the project, which will be known as the Canterbury Community Learning Space.

A council spokesman said: “This project will bring back to life a derelict, unusable piece of land, adjacent to the school, which is subject to significant amounts of fly tipping and anti-social behaviour currently.

“There will be a walking or running track for members of the community, particularly the local women who expressed a desire for a safe and accessible exercise track.

“This is also a safe area for young children to ride their bikes, as it will feature a safe off-road bike track.”

Horton Park Primary has previously demonstrated its commitment to cycling by introducing an attendance scheme in 2013 where every child who attended school every day – achieving 100 per cent attendance record – was rewarded with a recycled bike, helmet and cycle training.

Councillor Imran Khan, executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “This new available resource will contribute to improved health and well-being in the area.

“Hundreds of families and pupils will benefit from the new open space and I am looking forward to seeing it completed.”

The estate currently has few green areas, and the school hopes the space will transform the community.

Planting for the space, which will include a full size pitch, five a side playing field and gravel track for cyclists and walkers, will start in January. If more funding becomes available an orchard and vegetable patch could be added to the plans.

Head Sarah Dawson said: “This will give pupils, families and all members of the community, an opportunity to spend time in a natural, safe environment, as well as encouraging physical activity and social time outdoors.

“For the pupils, during school time, it will be a great opportunity to learn outside the classroom.”

Ruth Bottomley, business manager, said: “At the moment the site is constantly being fly tipped. We have to get a van to remove all the fly tipped waste every month. This really is the only green site around here. There is the park nearby, but a lot of people don’t see it as being safe.

“We’ve invited the community to let us know what they want to see here, and the response from them has been really good.

“Hopefully this time next year it will be ready for people to use.”