A SUPPORT group for a Meltham park is to be set up by residents and town councillors.

The Robert Ashton Memorial Park has suffered severe vandalism in recent months.

Twenty-two people attended an inaugural meeting of park "friends" in St James's Church.

The meeting - organised by Meltham Town Council - was addressed by Mr John Ross, of the Friends of Beaumont Park.

Clr Judith Powell gave a presentation regarding Meltham Town Council's role at the park and its view of the future.

She said: "We want a friends' group to be set up to explore and develop the park, rather than look to the town council for vision."

Clr Nigel Priestley expressed the town council's commitment, but he also added that more people needed to become involved with the park.

He said the Government was encouraging the formation of friends' groups to care for parks and open spaces.

It was agreed to officially form a friends' group.

The proposed role of the Friends of the Robert Ashton Memorial Park was discussed, as was how the ``governance" and support of the group would work.

Copies of the draft terms of reference for the group were circulated.

Committee members will be elected at the next meeting, which will be on Monday, October 11, at the home of Judith and Paul Powell.