Neighbours who raised more than £200,000 to rejuvenate their street say it now resembles a prison.

The residents in historic Hanover Square, Manningham, worked for three years to raise the funds to renovate and repair their 50 terraced homes, resurface the road and improve the environment.

They were delighted when their target was reached after winning funds from organisations including the European Regional Development Fund, the National and Provincial Building Society, English Heritage, Bradford Council, and the Manningham Housing Association.

The residents brought in local firms and rolled up their own sleeves to help lay Yorkshire Stone paving and transform a derelict wasteland into a green oasis. But now, high barbed wire has been put on the railings of the car park opposite them and the mini park in the middle of the street is overgrown and strewn with litter.

Javez Khan, who led the campaign for regeneration, said the residents were bitterly disappointed after a lot of effort.

He said a beautiful part of Bradford had emerged because of the work and residents were overjoyed with the results.

The barbed wire has been installed at a car park beside an empty office block which was occupied by civil servants. It is believed the park in the street has not been maintained by the Council for months.

Mr Khan said: "The barbed wire is extremely sharp and dangerous and we are worried about youngsters climbing up there. In the past, we have had a good relationship and have kept an eye on the car park."

Mateen Abudul, whose two children and nephews and nieces play in the street, said: "We are all very worried and disappointed after all our efforts.

"There isn't even any need for the barbed wire because the gates are always open."

He said residents also asked the Council for speed bumps in the street after a youngster was knocked down.

But a Bradford Council spokesman said the maintenance of the street garden was the responsibility of the residents.