A Friends of Damems group is to be formed to help develop the riverside area into a country park.

Keighley people are being invited to a meeting on Monday to set up the support group.

Members will work with residents, councillors and local organisations to build on existing efforts to improve the area.

Damems incorporates land around the River Worth and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, upriver from Ingrow.

The area above the river has been developed by Keighley Town Council into a small country park, while land between Halifax Road and the river is managed by Bradford Council as a semi-wild plot with extensive woodland.

A community environment day was held at Damems last summer to promote the area through activities such as river dipping and bug hunts.

After residents attending the day expressed an interest in forming a Friends group, Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) set the wheels in motion.

KIVCA community development worker Jo Horrox said the group was open to anyone with an interest in the area.

She said: “The site is a hidden gem and could potentially be an amazing visitor attraction for Keighley.

“Friends of Damems will look at improving the area with the possibility of linking the site across the river and creating the countryside park.”

Keighley West councillors Jan Smithies and Keith Dredge urged people to join the Friends group.

Coun Smithies said: “Damems is a great area but it needs money spending on it.

“There is potential for recreational walks, school environmental projects and tourism.”

Coun Dredge said: “Anything that regenerates the area and makes it tidy is a good thing.”

Monday’s meeting takes place at 7pm at Wesley Church on Haincliffe Road, off Halifax Road, Ingrow.