A major new street cleaning initiative sweeps into action in Lawkholme and Showfield tomorrow (Sept 28).

The two-day project, which is aimed at ridding the area of rubbish, is the result of a partnership between the Lawkholme community, including a group of parents at Eastwood Primary School, Keighley Area Committee and Bradford Cleansing Services.

Three wagons and ten men will be on hand from Bradford Council to help in a 'Community Clean Up' and organisers are hoping to encourage as many local residents as possible to lend a hand in the litter busting scheme and help to restore some pride to the area.

Chairman of Eastwood Fathers Group Gulfraz Ahmed, 33, said: "I grew up in Lawkholme and I am proud of it. But we need to work with all communities to put the pride back.

"A clean and tidy place to live in will help put the pride back, and children have the most important part to play.

"We did not want the council just coming in, taking the rubbish and going out again. We wanted the local community to get involved, we wanted them to see the problem for themselves."

Pupils at Eastwood Primary School, who have been learning about improving the environment, have also had enough of the problem that is blighting their streets.

The children are determined to lead the way in the fight against the litter louts, and tomorrow around 150 of them will don their gloves, grab their bin liners and hit the streets of Lawkholme to show the people of their neighbourhood how it's done.

Eight-year-olds Wahida Chowdhuruy and Mare-un-Nisa Hussain told the KN: "We think it's disgusting. It's a disgrace.

"It is our responsibility. It gives diseases and it smells."

Councillor Andrew Mallinson of the Keighley Area Committee, which has financed the scheme, added: "By getting local people, businesses and children much more involved, there is a better chance of achieving longer term benefits."

Area Co-ordinator Patrick Lawton agreed: "Hopefully it will result in people having a bit more pride in their neighbourhood."