Police patrolling a Bradford park have been given a boost in their bid to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour.

The Friends of Bowling Park sold ice creams, sweets, tea and coffee to raise money for a new mountain bike to help officers travel faster around the park.

The two police community support officers who patrol the area, which is blighted by motorbikes and nuisance behaviour, previously had just one bike between them.

Eunice Smith, a Friend of Bowling Park, said: “We are delighted to offer this mountain bike to the police. The bike will allow the officers to patrol the area together and reduce anti-social behaviour in our area.”

Simon Hartley, a police community support officer for Bowling Park, said: “This really shows the level of support we receive from residents in the area and the community spirit they continue to display.

“Through such partnership working we are able to cover more ground during our shift and increase levels of visibility throughout the area.

“Not only is this effective in the way we are able to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour, but it is also an environmentally friendly way of travelling.”

The bike has been bought during Active Citizens 2011, a year-long campaign celebrating the efforts of people who give up their time and work to improve things in the district.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A