Grimebuster Nasrina Malik wants people in Leeds Road to help her clean up the area - a main route into the city centre.

Miss Malik, 28, has just arrived in Bradford from her native Blackburn. The environmental health officer has been appointed to a new post - to make the Leeds Road corridor cleaner and safer for its residents and visitors.

Her job is being funded by the Health Action Zone and the Crime and Disorder Partnership.

As well as tackling litter and fly tipping and working with local takeaway restaurants on health and safety issues, she will also be encouraging crime-busting initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch.

She is looking forward to working with local people to improve the area from its current messy state, to a place people will want to come and visit, eat out and shop.

"Bradford is such a vibrant, diverse place, very thriving and multi-cultural and with a rich history," she said.

"I have family here so I know the city well and I enjoy visiting.

"This job will be a real challenge. Bradford's biggest asset is its people.

"The main problems are litter, graffiti, poor housing, poor health and poor safety. We are seeking improvements in all these areas."

The Leeds Road Corridor is being targeted because it is seen as being an important 'shop window' for Bradford - as many visitors to the city come in via that route.

"The ultimate aim is to make the Leeds Road area cleaner, healthier and safer - in partnership with local business, residents and other partners," Miss Malik explained.

She said she was confident the area could be greatly improved - if everyone worked together.

The former food hygiene inspector said she would be touring the area to ask people how they wanted to see Leeds Road improved and to find out what ideas they had.

In addition health awareness campaigns, for example to tackle coronary heart disease, would be run in the area.