RESIDENTS concerned at the vandalism and neglect at the former Meltham Hall Park have been invited to help form a new support group.

Meltham Town Council, which owns the park, is hoping to set up a Friends Association on the lines of the Friends of Beaumont Park.

Local residents, or indeed anyone who is interested in the ground now known as the Robert Ashton Memorial Park, are invited to a public meeting at 7pm on Thursday September 2 in St James's Church, Meltham Mills.

John Ross, from the Friends of Beaumont Park, will speak at the meeting and give advice.

Clr Judith Powell, vice chairman of Meltham Town Council, said: "In recent months the park has suffered from vandals who have sprayed graffiti on structures and trees, destroyed picnic tables, broken flagstones, stolen balustrades and driven motorbikes over the grass.

"The Town Council has been working with local youngsters on the idea of a skateboard park and recently members have been looking at improvements to play equipment.

"Anyone who uses the park or has an interest is welcome to attend the meeting."