SUPPORTERS of a city park and woodland say they have seen crime rates halved during a trial to lock the gates at night, but now they need to raise cash to continue the scheme.

The Friends of West Bank Park in Holgate aim to raise £2,000 to pay a security firm to ensure park gates can be locked at night for another year.

Volunteers open the park gates in the morning and say they have seen a drop in vandalism and litter and an improvement in the general condition of the park which is now being used by many community groups.

Last year Holgate Ward funding covered the costs, but can now only cover half the bill.

Friends secretary Georgina Collins said: “For a year this trial initiative has been working brilliantly, reducing crime by over 50 per cent and improving the condition of the park.

“The reduction in vandalism has meant the Friends of West Bank Park can now invest effort and money in the wildlife area and new pond, planting new orchards and maintaining old ones.

“It has kept playgrounds in good condition, so that the group are now making plans to invest in their improvement too.”

The Friends now need to secure the remaining funds to continue protecting the park.

So far, they have raised more than £1,200 from a crowdfunding campaign amongst residents, but still need to raise a further £1,000 to ensure the gates can continue to be locked.

They say just £10 a year from another 100 households would achieve this.

The Friends of West Bank Park are now calling on all those who live in the surrounding area to support their campaign by visiting www.westbankpark.org and making a donation.

The improvements in the park mean it is now a flourishing space with weekly use by groups such as the Little Friends of West Bank Park, and community events, such as the Christmas Carols in the Park and craft workshops next Saturday, December 16 from 2pm.