A GROUP of Keighley people hope to turn public open land in the town's Highfield area into a cleaner, more welcoming place.

They are setting up a Friends of Burgess' Field group to drum up funding and other support to improve this part of the neighbourhood.

Keighley town councillor Amjid Ahmed, who is leading the effort, said: "Our aim is to have a place for children, young adults and the elderly to enjoy.

"We now have a friends group committee, but we're still looking for people to put their names forward to volunteer, as we're hoping to arrange some clean-up days.

"We look forward to hearing from anyone who can offer some time."

Coun Ahmed, who represents the council's Highfield ward, said he had noticed that Burgess' Field's play area had very little equipment left for youngsters when he took his own children there four months ago.

He added that the area also lacks seating and is affected by littering, potentially dangerous broken glass and dog fouling.

Fellow Highfield resident Arafat Latif, 39, who is also involved with setting up the friends group, said: "At the moment this park lacks play facilities where families with young children can go and enjoy themselves."

Coun Ahmed said volunteers willing to help the group can contact him on 07946 702293.