As part of the Bradley masterplan, funded through the Elevate housing market renewal project, the aim is to carry out improvements to blocks 157-169 and 154 to 174 Leeds Road and 161 to 173 Chapel Street.

But Coun. Iqbal questioned why blocks in Scotland Road were not being considered.

Julie Palmer, of the council's housing market renewal team, said: "The focus is on block improvements to residential properties. Scotland Road is predominantly a commercial gateway. We felt Leeds Road should be a priority."

But Coun. Iqbal pointed out the "Hub Project" - plans to build a new youth and community centre and young people's housing facilities on the site of the present youth club - would take two to three years. And he questioned whether it was worth doing block improvement now in that area.

He added: "Blocks near the Derby Hotel in Scotland Road could be improved."

But Coun. Tony Greaves said: "Coun. Iqbal was present at meetings of the Bradley Steering Group where their view was that the Bradley Hub was the key. It was absolutely clear the hub was top priority."

• Councillors have agreed to recommend the purchase of Lockwoods Yard in Fleet Street, Nelson. As part of the Bradley masterplan, the idea is to create an open space in the area. Some homes in Cooper Street will also be demolished to create the parkland area next on the banks of Walverden Water.

Coun. Greaves said: "This is a crucial part of the masterplan -central to the whole thing." Coun. Iqbal seconded it but asked that people should not be forced out before their lease was up. "Nothing is going to happen for a few more years," he explained.