Lights have been installed in a park where people feared to tread in case of attack.

Four lights have been erected around the bandstand in Lund Park, Keighley, and the entrance in Malsis Road.

And they may be extended to other parts of the park, if the scheme proves successful.

The £15,000 scheme is being funded by Keighley police through the Safer Communities Partnership and the work is being carried out by Bradford Council's Parks and Landscapes Service.

A masked man attacked three women in the park in 2000, and there have been a number of other incidents involving gangs.

Police have investigated reports of robbery and stone throwing, and in October 2000 the park was given high visibility policing.

A Bradford Council spokesman said the lights were being installed to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve safety.

The project is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

The executive member for regeneration, Councillor Simon Cooke, said: "This is a trial scheme, which we hope will help to reduce social problems in the park and improve safety for residents living nearby.

"The scheme will be carefully monitored. If it proves successful and further funding can be found, we will be looking at the feasibility of extending the lighting scheme to the rest of the park."

Insp Nigel Cawthorne, Keighley police community safety officer, said: "The extra lighting will help to reduce any fears of crime that people may have. It is part of our efforts to ensure people can feel safe in their communities.

"Our neighbourhood policing team is often in the park and, along with the community, our partners from the council and other agencies, we are endeavouring to tackle the problems that occasionally occur in the area."

Park users have also welcomed the scheme.

Dorothy Taylor said: "I think the lights are a good idea. It makes me feel safer because there have been problems in the park."

Lund Park is listed on the English Heritage Register of historic parks and gardens.

The new lights are modern in design and were recommended by the Council's heritage conservation team as blending well with the park's Victorian architecture. They will be painted olive green.