Members of Calderdale Council's cabinet have given the go-ahead to recommendations to lease the community garden to the Harley Bank Community Association (HBCA) and the transfer of garden areas to residents.

The project was designed to improve the area by demolishing houses in a poor condition, improving the remaining properties and creating a green space for the community.

The green space is almost complete and the HBCA would like to develop part of it into a garden area for growing fruit and vegetables for the community. They are very keen to take responsibility for the area and to involve as many residents as possible.

Stacey McCarthy, resident and member of the HBCA, said: "We are really impressed with the design the architect has come up with and the craftsmanship of the works.

"We are looking forward to working with Casey to develop it further and are planning to hold a big party when it is finished."

There are also a number of private garden areas near completion, which have now been transferred to the owners of the adjacent properties.

Calderdale Council's portfolio holder for economy and the environment, Councillor Amanda Byrne, said: "The housing regeneration scheme has been a great success.

"A key part of this scheme has been the formation of the green area and the private gardens to introduce light and air into the environment.

"This will be a great way for the community to come together and become self sufficient by growing their own food."

Coun Ruth Goldthorpe said: "Credit must go to local people for getting this started.

"We helped to make sure that their problems were taken up by the council, so it's really good to see this scheme coming to a conclusion with the gardens and open spaces being sorted out for the long-term benefit of local residents."