Villagers have put forward their ideas about how their community can become a better and safer place to live.

A parish plan, thought to be the first in the district, has been put together in Cullingworth after detailed questionnaires were sent to all village homes.

Feedback from the surveys has been used to compile a blueprint for the future of the village, which includes improving housing, education and community life.

Projects include reducing anti-social behaviour and vandalism, improving the environment and tackling traffic problems.

The parish plan was spearheaded by Cullingworth Parish Council and compiled after organisers received a £4,000 grant from The Countryside Agency.

A total of 1,200 questionnaires were distributed 18 months ago and 335 were returned, with 572 people passing on comments.

Bryan Hobson, chairman of Culling-worth Parish Council, said: "The plan is looking towards the future and the long-term and short-term projects which we've assessed will help us achieve our goals.

"The high level of responses was pleasing and comforting because that highlights the level of interest people have in the quality of their surroundings."

In the next few weeks, copies of the plan will be distributed to every household in the village. After comments have been made the parish council will see how suggestions can be implemented.

Other aims include extending the village's conservation area and improving Manywells landfill site to make it a habitat for wildlife by creating a wood.

Clean-up days to reduce litter have been organised and a police community contact point has been set up to allow residents to raise any matters of concern.

The plan also suggests that a mobile speed-camera scheme should be implemented to stop drivers speeding.

Liz Balding, a member of Cullingworth Parish Council, said: "In the questionnaire feedback, people said there were problems with anti-social behaviour and that it would get worse before it got better.

"We do have problems but we are a working village and people are working together to get the best for Cullingworth."

The Telegraph & Argus reported on Tuesday that Cullingworth came runner-up in the regional Calor Village of the Year competition, which is run in conjunction with Yorkshire Rural Comm-unity Council, "to discover the most dynamic, caring and proactive village."