A TASK force of community-minded volunteers has been set up to clean up Yeadon.

In a bid to make the town look more presentable and work towards its first ever entry into the Yorkshire in Bloom contest, Project Yeadon has been formed.

The volunteers will call on the help of organisations and businesses, as well as Yeadon residents, and have already organised a day of action on October 5 when they will concentrate on one problem area.

Margaret Atkinson, project member, said the first area likely to be tackled would be Yeadon Tarn.

"In its heyday Yeadon Tarn was a jewel in the crown of the old council. There were brick built shelters for people to sit in and it was all kept very nice, but like so much not in inner city Leeds, it has been neglected," she said.

Another area likely to be tackled by the group will be Yeadon Town Hall and the square.

"We want to make Yeadon Town Hall Square tidy and attractive. The town hall is a wonderful building. We also have some ideas about one or two other buildings in the town that need to be tidied up."

Mrs Atkinson added: "The aim is to tidy up Yeadon and make it a place to be proud of. Everyone is very much into Yorkshire in Bloom and with Hawksworth and Guiseley doing so well, we wanted to have a go as well."

She accepted that the group had a big job ahead.

"It is a mammoth task, but it is a splendid idea, we just need to get as many people as possible involved and taking part in our action days."

Councillor Dr Makhan Thakur (Con, Aireborough) organised a public meeting at Yeadon Town Hall to gauge interest for the setting up of the group.

He said: "From those who attended the meeting, there was a general feeling that Yeadon was looking sad, untidy and left out from the region regarding hanging baskets and planters and so on.

"The general consensus was that before getting involved with Yeadon in Bloom a plan for tidying up the area should be given priority and in particular the High Street and Town Hall Square."

Coun Thakur said an enthusiastic committee would now work towards improving the area.

"The objective of Project Yeadon is in the formation of a voluntary organisation in partnership with Leeds City Council to improve Yeadon's environment.

"The committee is looking to local businesses for sponsorship and has already had a very kind offer of assistance from Aireborough Rotary Club."