A host of willing helpers will descend on Wilsden Park this weekend for a “Day of Action” to tackle stubborn problems of litter, mess and rowdy behaviour.

Organised by Bradford Council and Wilsden Parish Council, the grand clean-up will involve various local authority services and the Neighbourhood Police Team. The action starts on Saturday when gangs of volunteers will team up with workers at the nearby Village Hall from 9.30am.

And parish councillor Terry McNamara said they were hoping for a good turnout whatever the weather.

“It’s hoped plenty of people from the village will come and really get involved in their community,” Mr McNamara said.

A contribution of £500 funding has come from the Shipley Area Committee’s environmental projects budget and Bradford Council is providing equipment such as litter pickers, bags and gloves. Council Wardens will knock on village doors and hand out leaflets and the Council’s youth service officers will give local youngsters the message to keep the area tidy for everyone’s benefit.

Once the area has been totally tidied up, council wardens will continue to visit the park, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, to ensure any improvements are long-lasting. They will encourage park users to look after the area and to report any examples of bad behaviour, misuse or dog-fouling.

And it is hoped that in the future the park could see the formation of a ‘Friends' group to help its prospects.

Bradford Council’s Assistant Director for Neighbourhood Services, Steve Hartley, said: “The park is in the middle of the village and is important to the overall appearance of Wilsden.

“The more users involved and feeling responsibility for the area, the easier it will be to maintain its appearance once the Day of Action has kick-started the improvements.”

Local Neighbourhood Policing Team Ward Sergeant Diane Collins said: “The environment can be a contributory factor in encouraging anti-social behaviour and can potentially lead to further disrepair.

“By working together with our partners we can make a difference for those using the park and improve the quality of life for our local residents.”