A GROUP formed to improve facilities at a local park for residents has apologised for the disruption a recent concert caused.

A number of residents around Hall Park in Horsforth were angry at the noise and disruption caused by the recent Horsforth Youth Concert H20. They complained about the high volume of noise and the long duration of the concert, which was aimed at giving local groups a chance to perform in public.

Friends chairman David Read said: "Unfortunately, contrary to our understanding of the plans, the stage was set up so that the directional speakers were aimed towards nearby Fraser Avenue and Park Drive, instead of in the opposite direction.

"I hasten to say this event was not organised by us, though we agreed to let it be held under our licence, so technically it was our responsibility and we can only

apologise to those who were disturbed by it.

"At a recent committee meeting it was proposed not to allow such a concert to be held under our concert in the future - but that doesn't mean we can stop it from being held - the park is owned by Leeds City Council."

He added that the matter will be on the agenda for the group's AGM, which will be held on Monday, November 20, in the Mechanics Institute on Town Street (8pm), and members are invited to give their views.

l Residents campaigning to improve the park have launched a £7,000 millennium garden fund for further improvements.

The Friends of Hall Park in Horsforth are pushing forward with the restoration of the Japanese Garden, improving the formal garden in front of it and the large herbaceous border now being planted beside it. The Friends committee has agreed to commit £3,300 to the fund, the city council £3,000 and ward councillors £1,000 from the millennium grant at their disposal. It is hoped the money will allow parks staff to reinstate the cascade in the Japanese Garden, which has been out of action for many years because of vandalism. Work is expected to be completed by 2001.