Braye Park in Waratah used to be known as a dirty and dangerous place.

The 21-hectare park was full of rubbish, scrub and burnt-out cars.

Waratah couple Fred and Alison Neil, who live next door to the park, became fed up with its bad reputation.

So they started the Braye Park Care Group 10 years ago to clean it up.

“We walked our dogs through the park and they kept getting their feet cut by the broken glass bottles,” Ms Neil said.

“We were so disgusted with all the rubbish.

“There were plastic bags, syringes and condoms everywhere.”

The group consists of Waratah residents and since it started, the park has been improving each year.

Mr Neil said the group of volunteers meets every fortnight to work at the park.

“We pick up rubbish, remove obnoxious weeds and just keep the park clean and tidy,” he said.

“There is definitely a big difference now.

“Before the police used to be called to the park all the time because of the anti-social behaviour that was going on there, but they don’t get half as many complaints about it now.”

Newcastle City Council has supported the group throughout the 10 years, allocating funds each year to maintain the park’s upkeep.

Mr Neil said he was happy with council’s contribution.

“It (council) has put in concrete pathways and tables and chairs,” he said.

“The only things we need now are toilets.”

The Neils said they were happy with the park’s progress and were further pleased last month when councillors voted at a council meeting to update the Braye Park Master Plan.

The master plan includes points on how to increase patronage and improving safety, tourism potential, community recreation needs and ident-ifying sources of funding to complete the plan.