CALLS have been made to ban drinking in Silsden's memorial gardens after a spate of vandalism.

The town's environmental group has spent many months refurbishing the gardens, which house Silsden's memorial to its war dead.

But the group has been shocked to see repeated acts of vandalism and rubbish and broken glass strewn all over the site, usually during the weekend.

Now prominent environmentalist Keith Norris has called for drinking to be banned and for the police to crack down on those caught consuming alcohol in the gardens.

"It's a shame that people are just not respecting the memorial gardens," he told the Herald.

"I think there should be a ban on the consumption of alcohol in there which might stop some of the problems."

The refurbishment of the memorial gardens was part of the environment group's millennium project and was part funded by the group itself.

It also received donations from Bradford Council and Silsden Parish Council.

"We've resurfaced the gardens, redone the kerbs and drains and repointed the stonework in the memorial itself," said Mr Norris.

"There's an awful lot of work gone into it and it's a shame that it's being spoilt."

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: "We are aware of some petty vandalism around the Silsden War Memorial and repair works have been carried out there.

"The park rangers and area recreation managers are continuing to monitor the situation in co-operation with the police patrols of the Silsden community action team."

Silsden police chief Insp Paul Spencer said the police already had powers to confiscate alcohol from under 18s.

But he added that he would look into the possibility of a ban on drinking in the memorial gardens.

Bradford Council is urging anyone who sees anything untoward in the area to report it in confidence to Bradford Council's Park Ranger Service on 01274 752696, the Keighley Outdoor Recreation Manager on 01535 618068 or the Silsden Community Action Team on 01535 617097.

Meanwhile, the group is holding a general clean up on Sunday. Members are hoping to get as many people along, and anyone interested in helping should meet at 10am behind the post office.