A friends group set up to protect one of Bradford’s finest parks is under threat because its committee has fallen out.

Last year The Friends of Lister Park was on the brink of closure because of a lack of members but it was saved by a last-ditch appeal for more support.

However the group is in danger of splitting once again after its new chairman and secretary staged a walk-out at the last meeting.

Lister Park won the accolade of Britain’s Best Park in 2006 following a £4 million restoration programme.

Now, Emmerson Walgrove who took on the role of chairman last August has resigned along with secretary Susan Waltham and Luke Waltham who was a co-opted committee member.

Their resignations leave Manningham councillor Qasim Khan as acting chairman and Sarah Jennings as treasurer.

A note from the three executive officials who resigned was posted on The Friends’ website this week calling for the leftover committee to either get in touch with all its members and try to elect a new one or just disband.

But Coun Khan said there was “a lot of sorting out to do” after the former committee members “stormed out”.

He said: “Decisions have been made without everyone’s agreement. That’s what the row’s been about. I stepped in last year because the group was about to fold and I wanted to get the Asian community more involved.

“We are all accountable because we are dealing with public money – it’s not just down to two people to have the say.

“I’m hoping we can get members’ data from the secretary so we can contact everyone quickly and appoint a new committee who will be happy to work together.”

Mr Walgrove said there had been “a big disagreement” and that because of the three resignations the group was now illegal – it needs five committee members to be legal.

He said: “The committee has disagreed on various issues. It’s very frustrating because this should be a productive, exciting time for us now that Cartwright Hall has re-opened.”

The Grade-II listed hall had to be shut for ten months when part of its ceiling collapsed and checks on the building revealed further work needed to be carried out at a cost of £200,000. It opened again in May.

One of the group’s past achievements was the re-introduction of lion statues to the park. A restored original lion, believed to be 150 years old, was returned and two new bronze lions installed.

Activities and events organised by the group were to include walks, exhibitions and anything that made the Manningham park friendly for users.