TWO parks in Otley and Yeadon should look spick-and-span this summer even if bumper numbers of visitors use them.

Two new Leeds City Council employees will be emptying bins and clearing up litter at Wharfemeadows Park and Yeadon Tarn at weekends and bank holidays from July until the end of September.

The staff, who will work three hours a day, were appointed after councillors raised concerns about the cleanliness of both sites in the high season. The North West Outer Area Committee agreed on Monday to cover the £4,410 cost of the extra weekend and bank holiday work.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “Both areas are extremely popular during the summer months but, unfortunately, bins are left overflowing and litter ends up everywhere.

“This is something we do not want to see as it is unsightly and unsafe when children are out playing.

“Staff don’t normally work weekends and bank holidays but these new patrols will mean the problem is tackled straight away. The public need to do their bit and work with the officers. Once the bins are emptied there is no excuse for leaving litter about.”