PARK guardians in Cross Roads, Keighley, have threatened court action against children damaging the bowling green.

The Friends of Cross Roads Park says that prosecution for criminal damage could be the next step to stop youngsters playing football on the green.

Friends chairman Tito Arana (pictured) said measures could also be taken against people who let their dogs foul on the green.

He said: “The bowling club is seriously in danger of being asked to leave the leagues it currently plays in due to the green’s condition."

“We are pressing hard to get the green fenced off and ask all visitors to respect the last sports team we have in the village.”

The Friends of Cross Roads Park, formed last year, works with Bradford Council improve facilities for all ages at the park off Halifax Road.

The group recently unveiled improvement plans, including a new multi-sports court and garden area, and moving the existing playground and skateboard park.

Mr Arana said the problem had been getting progressively worse over the past five years.

He said: “The main culprits are children playing football. They even stand at the side waiting for the bowlers to leave and then go straight on. No level of reason or politeness seems to be working.

“We are also having a problem with dog walkers exercising their dogs on the green, even letting them foul there and not picking it up.

“It is completely unacceptable. Our intention if this continues is to start getting people prosecuted for criminal damage.

“We would ask parents to ask their children not to play on there and ask all dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads around the green.”

Mr Arana said the Friends understood there were limited facilities in Cross Roads for people wanting to play football.

He added: “This is high on our list of priorities with the development of the park. We plan to develop the park for everyone but this mindless vandalism must stop.”