Major restoration work on Lister Park's most popular feature - the impressive Victorian lake - begins this week when the plug is pulled on thousands of gallons of water.

The work to drain the three acre lake marks the start of the first key restoration project being undertaken as part of Bradford Council's ambitious £4.2 million plan to return the park to its former glory.

It is hoped the three-year action plan, which received substantial backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will see Lister Park become one of the district's biggest leisure attractions for the new millennium.

Work was starting today to reduce the water level allowing the Environment Agency to remove the fish and relocate them to local waters and nearby rivers before the lake is fully drained.

Waterfowl living on the islands are expected to move on to other local waters but a small area of water will be left for any that remain while cleaning and repairs take place.

The condition of any ducks which stay in the park will be monitored, in liaison with the RSPCA, and if they show any sign of distress because of the disturbance they will be moved to another park until the facelift is completed. The lake revamp also includes building a new boathouse on the site of the original wooden structure which was removed more than a decade ago. It will include a boat workshop, ticket office, two viewing decks and toilets.

The area surrounding the lake will be fenced off for the duration of the work, which is expected to take about a year.

Councillor Derek Kettlewell, chairman of the Council's sport and recreation sub-committee, said: "The revamping of the lake and provision of a new boathouse were among the key areas that visitors wanted to see improved and I am pleased they have been included at such an early stage of the restoration scheme. Different parts of the park will not be accessible to the public over the next three years but I hope people will bear with us - the end result will be a magnificent contribution to the district's leisure attractions.

"The lake is bound to attract interest from visitors while the repair work is taking place but I would appear to people to keep clear of the fenced area.."

The first phase of work also includes the restoration of walls and steps throughout the park, entrances, gates and the replacement of public toilets at Oak Lane. Other phases include revamping the play area, restoring the original bandstand, creating an Indian-inspired Mughal water garden near Cartwright Hall - and refurbishing the botanical gardens and statues.

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