A COUNCILLOR said a local park must be reclaimed from those who use it for drug dealing and other anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Anayat Mohammad, who joined Keighley town mayor Councillor Shabir Ahmed for a walk around Devonshire Park, Keighley, also slammed what he described as Bradford Council’s neglect of the park.

He praised the “great work” being done by Friends of Devonshire Park, but said Bradford Council’s failure to look after this public space has driven away many of the people the park is intended for.

However, Kate Toch, of Friends of Devonshire Park, rejected the argument that the park’s normal users have been frightened away by drug crime.

“I don’t think for one minute that it’s the ‘drug dealing or drug use’ that has driven people out of Devonshire Park,” she said.

“Yes, there’s evidence of some from time to time, as there is in many places. But our social lives have become more private for all sorts of reasons. We commute to work, communicate with social media, work long hours, and use cars for the smallest of journeys. So let’s not blame one another.”

Cllr Mohammad, of Keighley Town Council’s Utley & Spring Gardens ward, said he was saddened by the park’s condition. He added: “Drug activity has driven the community away, and it’s a state of affairs we can’t tolerate.

“Green spaces such as this are very valuable, and should be maintained for the welfare of the community, and preserved for future generations. This is not happening in Devonshire Park. Although I commend Bradford Council for their restoration work in the grounds of nearby Cliffe Castle, the state of Devonshire Park is unacceptable.

“I know the local police are making concerted efforts to stamp out drugs in the town, but I feel a closer partnership with the community around the park is needed.

“We have to ensure communities return to reclaim this beautiful community resource.”

But Ms Toch said while the park’s densely planted, mostly sloping site made it unsuitable for sports and concerts, it is still well used.

“School children, dog walkers and those going about their lives, use the park daily,” she said. “The park wardens tell us this park is one of the most peaceful and least ‘dangerous’ in the area.

“Friends of Devonshire Park have arranged ten Lunchtime Tree Walks between September 2016 and February 2017, and these have been a great success, attracting at least 150 people over nine walks to date.

“The Friends have produced a tree identification and history of the park leaflet, available from the library or from us.

“We have a partner working on a story trail with children from Our Lady of Victories School. If there’s interest, we’ll put on a children’s tree walk with activities in summer.

“What’s needed is people to volunteer to encourage activities in the park. We could work with Bradford Council Parks Department to plant bulbs, think about grafting or budding fruit trees, or grow edible herbs or plants.

“And perhaps in the longer-term, we could work with the council to renew the children’s play area.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Devonshire Park receives the same level of  maintenance as all the other parks in the district.

"Parks and Landscapes staff make weekly visits to empty the litter bins and check play areas and council wardens also patrol the area. Any damage or vandalism is repaired as and when necessary and matters are reported to police when required.”

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