People are being urged to share their memories of one of the district's most historic parks as plans for its restoration get under way.

Roberts Park, in Saltaire, is in line for a multi-million pound revamp after Bradford Council revealed it is preparing a bid for lottery cash. And Council chiefs are hoping to revive some of the park's most historic and popular features.

Today David Talbot, the Council's head of amenities and landscapes, urged Saltaire residents and former visitors to Roberts Park to share their memories.

Mr Talbot added: "Wide ranging consultation will be carried out to find out how people want the park to look. We accept that the park has become run down over the years and is in need of extensive restoration. We hope the recent designation of Saltaire as a World Heritage Site, will add weight to our lottery bid."

In its heyday, the 14-acre park, which opened in 1871, hosted a range of recreational activities, including swimming and boating on the river, bowls, archery, cricket, and croquet. Among the features planned for restoration are a bronze statue of the park's founder, Sir Titus Salt, the Half Moon Pavillion which overlooks Saltaire Cricket Club, and the park lodge off Coach Road.

Clive Woods, former chairman of the Saltaire Village Society, welcomed the plans but said the main priority should be to make the park safe for people to visit. He said it had been neglected by the Council and become a target for vandals. "The restoration will cost thousands more because of the neglect. If it is neglected again, then they are really wasting their money," he added.

Anyone with memories of the park or old photographs revealing its former glories should contact the Amenities and Landscapes Unit, Ground floor, Jacobs Well, Bradford, BD1 5RW.