Unused land at an overgrown allotment site in Bradford is to be transformed into a community garden.

Residents living near the Scotchman Road allotments, off Toller Lane, had become concerned after demand for the plots dropped and the land became an eyesore.

But next Monday, Bradford Council contractors will begin work to breathe new life into the site.

Toller ward councillors Amir Hussain, Arshad Hussain and Imran Hussain have agreed to Area Action Planning money being used towards the first phase of creating a community garden.

Residents have been consulted on the proposals and have given their approval to the work, which will be done in several phases.

Bradford Council's landscape, design and conservation team has designed the garden and the Council's highways maintenance team will carry out phase one, which will include clearing the site, landscaping, marking out pathways and fencing off the remaining working allotments from the community garden.

Coun Imran Hussain, deputy leader of the Council, said: “We have had a very positive response from the residents, with some showing a strong interest in getting involved.

“We plan to involve local primary school children in phase two of the project, which will provide an important local amenity for people to enjoy and make the area safer and greener for everyone.

“We are delighted that pupils from Margaret McMillan and Lilycroft Primary Schools are already working regularly on the allotments, growing their own food and keeping fit. These and other local schools are also working with residents and the Allotments Association to put together ideas for the site. St Cuthbert's is one school that has expressed a commitment to be involved.”

Phase two will also see the paths finished, trees planted and benches installed.

Bradford Council's Toller ward co-ordinator and allotments officer are supporting Bradford district empowerment network (CNet) and Bradford Community Environment Project (BCEP) in their application for funding for phase two.

If you would like to get involved in the project, call Masood Gondal, Toller ward officer, on (01274) 432597; Janette Goodinson, allotments officer, on (01274) 432247; Jane Robinson, BCEP, on (01274) 223236; or Muppett, at CNet, on (01274) 305045.

Anyone who wants an allotment plot at Scotchman Road, or any other site in the district, should ring the allotments office on (01274) 434212.