A secluded patch of greener, which has become a magnet for drugs and crime is to be transformed into an unlikely play haven for children.

East Bowling's bobby on the beat, PC Mick Fawbert, has vowed to reclaim the land from gangs of yobs who are making the lives of nearby residents a misery.

He contacted Council officers to get them to agree a scheme to cut down thick trees surrounding the former playing fields of Bradford Cathedral College, which have become a security blanket for the criminal activities of youths.

Young offenders serving community punishment orders may also be used to tidy up the land. At present, the field is dotted with patches of scorched earth caused by the wreckage of burnt-out stolen cars.

Much of the land, wedged between Flockton House and Bowling Hall Road, has been torn up by youths riding motorcycles and a recent clean-up by residents uncovered a number of syringes.

Broken glass and litter is scattered among the overgrown grass. PC Fawbert said: "Opening up this area would take away the opportunity for offenders to commit crime and be a nuisance to nearby residents.

"I am hoping it will become a safe environment where children can play near to their homes.

"This scheme will also tidy up green land which has become a real eyesore for residents."

Rupert Oliver, chairman of the East Bowling Regeneration Organisation, said it would bring a real improvement to the area.

"I am fully supportive of PC Fawbert's efforts. There is a lot of potential for this piece of land to be made into a recreational area for the whole community."

A spokesman for Bradford Council's Asset Management department said: "In the autumn the Council will spend about a week working on the old Bradford Cathedral College playing field, opening up the site by pruning and thinning out trees and clearing undergrowth.

"This should make the site safer for children to play on.

"Its future use is currently being considered by the Council."