The Rastrick Bridge End Community Action Group has targeted better bus services, the banning of rat-running HGVs, and increased security to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Chairman Adrian Hartshorn said the group was formed earlier this year after bus services were axed.

It then joined forces with neighbouring residents' groups at Carr Green and Field Lane to successfully keep Rastrick Health Centre at Chapel Croft open.

That gave the group a shot in the arm and Mr Hartshorn said residents were confident more could be done.

"We are a group of local people that exists to give everyone a stronger voice in what goes on in our area, to protect and improve our area, and to promote and improve community spirit," he said.

At a recent meeting the action group decided to campaign for a greater police presence and more fencing and CCTV in the Thornes Park estate to combat anti-social behaviour, and to continue the campaign to restore buses to Thornhill Road.

Mr Hartshorn said residents also wanted HGVs banned from the A643 through Rastrick who use the route to escape congestion on the M62.

"They drive down through Rastrick and then get stuck by the bridge at Bridge End," he said.

"It is planned to get together with other community action groups and Brighouse Road Safety Committee to rid our narrow roads of unnecessary vehicles before there is a fatality."

Mr Hartshorn said Pennine Housing would be asked to consider erecting fencing at strategic points at Thornes Park along similar lines to the Coulby Newham estate in Middlesbrough.

"That resulted in a safe haven for residents and reduced crime by a staggering 83 per cent," he said.

A preliminary meeting has been held with Metro at which Mr Hartshorn said concerns about the effect on pensioners was highlighted.

"We are going to have a go and hopefully get things done," said Mr Hartshorn.

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