Keighley's chief of police says that Lund Park will never become a no-go area for the local community.

Chief Superintendent Graham Sunderland says high visibility police patrols are being stepped up in the area to crack down on a minority of "thugs and bullies".

And he called on residents to help police stop those responsible for terrorising residents.

His comments -- contrary to fears expressed by Town Mayor Councillor Martin Leathley that it is becoming a no-go park -- follow yet another attack in the area by a gang of Asian youths, this time on a 14-year-old youth.

The attack last Monday, near to Broomhill Post Office, left the youth with two black eyes and bruised ribs.

He was taken to Airedale Hospital for treatment.

The incident follows an assault on a 41-year-old man the day before as he walked through the park.

Police also revealed that a youth had been arrested this week and was being questioned in connection with incidents in the area.

"The park is not a no-go area and will never be a no-go area," said Chief Supt Sunderland. "This is perceived as racial but this gang of young thugs and bullies has caused damage throughout the community.

"What we really do need is the help of the community, because we can't just conjure arrests from thin air. This positive action we have talked about has happened before and it will include extra patrols which will be a lot more visible."

He added: "We are working with tenancy enforcement, schools, youth services and council staff, and we are putting so much effort into resolving issues in Lund Park.

"We are also looking to enhance the area through the Neighbour-hood Renewal Fund, but that is not a panacea: we need to look at things like the design of the park.

Chief Supt Sunderland said that the increase in patrols was not a "knee jerk" reaction as police presence in the area had already been increased before recent attacks.

But he added that policing the area around the clock was neither possible nor necessary.

Chief Supt Sunderland's comments follow claims by Cllr Leathley that members of the white community were in fear of using the park

Cllr Leathley said: "It is not realistic to expect the Asian community to identify these youths. I think that is futile.

"The answer is more police in uniform in the park. A very visible and determined presence. At the moment there isn't," he said.

He added that people would also feel happier if action also resulted in people going through the courts.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who visited the park yesterday, said she feared the park could become a no-go area if people stopped using it.

She branded the attackers "racist thugs" but urged people not to be intimidated.

"The community is by and large law abiding. It is just a small group which is perpetuating this violence," she said.

Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Centre, is organising a meeting with community members next week to discuss the issues.

He said: "We are trying to get parents together to look at possible solutions from a community perspective.

"People from across the community should be free to go anywhere free from violence. I don't think there's anywhere in Keighley that is a no-go area. We have held community impact meetings already and a lot of work has been done in the area to encourage community cohesion."

l Residents have united to highlight the positive images of the area. Full report page 3