The security presence in a Keighley park is being stepped up to combat an increase in assaults and vandalism.

Chairman of Bradford council leisure services Cllr Barry Thorne is introducing two or possibly three more rangers to patrol Devonshire Park on motorbikes and provide a greater security cover.

Cllr Thorne made the decision after hearing of an increase in the number of assaults and damage to property in and around the park.

He says: "I have ordered the park rangers in and spoken to the police because we really want to put people at ease in the area. Gangs of youths going through the park and members of the Highfield community are becoming distressed and upset by some of the incidents reported. We are hearing about various assaults but unfortunately people aren't reporting all of these incidents to the police."

Cllr Thorne says he is also hopeful that Keighley Police's community action team will provide the park rangers with the necessary back-up.

Secretary of Highfield People's Action Group Charlie Bhowmick welcomes the move. He says: "From a resident's point of view, I feel this particular move by Barry Thorne will be a useful exercise which will provide a deterrent to anti-social behaviour. We want to wipe out this kind of behaviour in this district. This is welcome news for those who fear crime."

The move has also been welcomed by people at the Ukrainian Centre in nearby Mayfield Road, which has experienced security problems in the past.

President Nick Lajszczuk says: "We welcome the move with open arms and believe that the more presence we have in the area the better. We hope it will help to increase safety as a whole for the local community.

"In the past the lack of security in the park has caused a major problem for our community with people afraid to walk through it.

"We believe that the whole area needs looking at as far as security is concerned.

Sgt Bob Marshall, of Keighley police, says officers will continue too liaise with the park rangers on a regular basis.

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