NEW funding has been made available to improve the safety of Wharfedale homes.

The Outer North West Community Committee has awarded £2,500 to the area to help vulnerable residents upgrade the security of their properties.

The lion's share of the money, £2,000, came from the Adel and Wharfedale ward councillors' allocation of Well Being funding while the other £500 was from the Otley and Yeadon councillors.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: "Unfortunately the last grant funding ran out quickly as the scheme was so popular with local residents.

"The police approached us to see if we would be prepared to fund further work through Care and Repair and we were delighted to award them a grant of £2,000 to make properties in the ward safer and more secure.

"This will safeguard vulnerable and older residents who might otherwise be victims of crime."

Councillor Caroline Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) added: "The funding will go towards upgrading and improving locks on outer doors, windows, patios and so on.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people have the type of locks that can be snapped easily.

"The new locks are not easily broken and furthermore will act as a strong deterrent.

"We want to help the police fight crime by reducing the amount of opportunity for theft and burglary to occur."