A CAMPAIGN to get more bobbies on the beat could be launched because of growing concern about crime in Horsforth.

Town councillors are concerned at what they perceive to be a lack of policing and too much crime in Horsforth - and it was suggested that a fight be launched to reopen Horsforth Police Station for the public.

The council, which will consider the issues further at its next public safety committee meeting, also agreed to look at the possibility of part-funding wardens in Hall Park to combat anti-social behaviour.

Councillor David Read, who is also a member of park users' group, the Friends of Hall Park, said: "The Friends are all agreed that policing in Horsforth is absolutely inadequate. We would like to suggest to the town council and the Community Involvement Team that a campaign be launched to improve policing in Horsforth.

"At times it seems as if the police do not have a presence in Horsforth."

He added that another problem was that although Horsforth Police Station was staffed, the community did not have access to it. The fact is that there is no local access to the police, which is one of the main problems we encounter in the park," said Coun Read.

"We ought to be campaigning for the restoration of the police station - and I have not seen a patrol in the town for about 18 months, while vandalism and small crimes are rife.

"There has not been any serious attempt to police the park or other areas where youngsters cause problems."

Coun Read also suggested writing a letter to Paul Truswell MP, to see if he could bring any pressure to bear nationally about police numbers.

But Coun Mick Grubb, a former police officer, said resources were stretched. "We have had three shootings in Leeds and I know one officer from around here who has been undergoing riot training following the troubles in Bradford - they are really stretched at the moment.

"I think more officers will come but it is going to take a long time. However, I am all for opening Horsforth Police Station."

Council chairman John Brodwell said: "Councillor Read had raised a very valid point about police presence in Horsforth.

"I am not sure what we as a council can do but it is one of the major concerns of people in the community."