Residents in historic Saltaire fear they are being overlooked by tourism bosses.

The Victorian model village is seen as a jewel in the crown of Bradford district's tourist attractions but some residents feel their quality of life has deteriorated since the village was accorded World Heritage Site status last December.

Members of the Albert Street Neighbourhood Watch scheme claim there has been an increase in vandalism, theft and car crimes caused by the raised profile of the village. And, they say, the rising number of well-off professionals coming to live there is attracting criminals.

The residents are asking to meet representatives who fought for the heritage status bid to discuss ways of improving safety in the village.

Stephanie Shields, Neigbour-hood Watch co-ordinator, said: "Certainly there has been a rise in burglaries and car crime over recent months, but we've got to work together now and see what we can do about it."

Mrs Shields, 43, who has lived in Saltaire for 17 years, said the village has risen in status, both as a tourist spot and a place to live. "Saltaire is on the world map now. That is the reality of the situation," she said. "That should be a case for celebration, but there is a need to balance between preserving the village and protecting its residents."

Recent incidents include an attack on the United Reform Church. Vandals drove a car into the side of the building and set it alight. Stonework was smashed and the main church hall was smoke damaged.

Inspector Nigel Cawthorne of West Yorkshire Police said the design of the village, with front doors opening onto streets and hidden back yards, makes it a target for thieves.

"We are aware of the problems in Saltaire," he said. "We are targeting the area and increasing the targeting of offenders who come into the area."

Councillor Tony Miller, (Lab, Shipley East) said increased tourism was a cause for concern for the residents. "Is the finance available for Saltaire to have its own street wardens?" he said. "We need to put this on the Saltaire project team agenda and bring all the major players together and ask them what they are going to do to address these concerns."

A Bradford Council spokes-man said: "The Council is monitoring the effects of the World Heritage title on the village, and feeding information back to the Saltaire Project Team, made up of Councillors, traders' associations, police and other interested bodies. If residents have concerns they should contact the Coun-cil's Conservation team on (01274) 432455, their local councillor, or the Saltaire Village Society."