Bradford's Police Community Supp-ort Officers are taking part in a new drive to clean up Manningham.

The officers will be visiting homes and businesses in the area to hand out leaflets about a community clean-up and warning people that they could end up in court if they do not clear up their gardens and keep them clean.

The clean-up has been organised by Bradford Council Cleansing Service, Bradford North Area Co-ordinator's Office, West Yorkshire police and Springwood NAP Group.

Development officer for Bradford North Anti-Crime Partnership Linda Cleveland said: "It is OK cleaning an area but it can quickly return to the state it was in before so this is about keeping Manningham clean long-term.

"It is against the law to not keep certain areas clean, and if an order is made people could find themselves in court facing a fine."

Mrs Cleveland said the project would be similar to the Go Girlington! initiative which began earlier this year

She said some of the take-aways and businesses in Manningham were to blame for the rubbish on the streets.

She said: "We will be looking to get local shop owners to sign contracts similar to the ones used in the Go Girlington! campaign to encourage their customers to keep the area clean."

Mrs Cleveland will be working closely with schools in the area.

She said: "I would like to go into schools and talk to youngsters about the importance of keeping your environment clean."

Mrs Cleveland added: "Traditionally this area has had quite a bad reputation but recently things are on the up and a lot of funding has been put into it.

"There is a peaceful feeling about Manningham and when environments change it makes a big difference to crime in the area."

Bradford Council's Director of Environmental Services, Richard Wixey, said: "We are really looking forward to making a big difference in the Manningham area and improving the neighbourhood for everyone who lives and works there.

"It is pleasing that so many different partners are willing to roll up their sleeves and take pride in their

community."

The Manningham Community Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27 from 9am onwards.