Residents wanting to reclaim a historic green pathway are determined to beat yobs who turned it into a no-go area.

Pollard Park Residents Association says its Reclaiming The Greenway project is now showing signs of success.

It was launched last year after fed-up residents signed a 500-plus name petition calling for action against gangs of vandals, drug dealers and dangerous drivers.

Work started earlier this year as part of a £120,000 plan to put up metal barriers and massive boulders to keep out racing motorbikes and cars. But the Assoc-iation's community support worker Sheila Rushforth admits there is still more work to do before residents can fully claim the territory as their own.

In the early hours of yesterday a stolen 4x4 was rammed into a wall on The Greenway at the back of Sycamore Close and set alight. Mrs Rushforth said: "They probably didn't know the way through onto the Greenway had been blocked off. There will still be the odd one who will try and get through but we're hoping word will spread and it will eventually stop.

"Before the blockades went up we were being driven mad round here by people on bikes and some in cars trying to drive on the paths and getting through snickets.

"You only had to step over your doorstep and you were at risk of being mown down. People were too scared to walk on the Greenway.

"We've had enough of that now and we are going to get the Greenway back."

She said the first step of putting up fencing and boulders was having a positive effect. "We want to see more landscaping, planting and seating so we can use the space to put on street parties, fun days and bring everyone together."

The Greenway path scheme is being backed by Regen 2000, Bradford Vision, Bradford Community Housing Trust, Bradford Council and North British Housing Association.

CCTV and more lighting are also part of the big scheme for the area which runs behind Pollard Park, off Otley Road.

Mohammed Shakeel, chairman of Regen 2000, said: "Regen 2000, funded by Yorkshire Forward, has spent £120,000 on barriers and gates to the Greenway in partnership with Bradford Council and BCHT.

"The aim was to make it possible for families to enjoy the area untroubled by dumped cars and motorbikes."

Inspector Steve Baker, of Bradford South Police, said: "We have been working with partnership agencies and the community to make sure the area improves and is a safe place to live."

David Clough, of Bradford West City Housing Trust, said residents had worked hard and the barriers and gates had helped to cut anti-social behaviour.