West Yorkshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner has promised to tackle drug dealing in Baildon after a plea from a resident, as reported in yesterday’s Telegraph & Argus.

Mark Burns-Williamson officially takes on his new role today, but told the T&A yesterday he had received a letter from Rob Higgie, of Cliffe Terrace, with concerns over drug pushers and addicts ruining a quiet area.

And he said that although he anticipated a full postbag on his first day, Mr Higgie’s letter would be dealt with promptly.

“I will be talking to the Neighbourhood Police Team to get their take on what actions have already been taken and on what else needs to be done,” Mr Burns-Williamson said. “And I would like to get out and meet people in Baildon and find out from them. Going out and about is definitely a large part of the job as I see it and something I will do as much as possible.”

Businessmen Mr Higgie said he was delighted with the new Commissioner’s “hands-on” approach to the job.

“That would be absolutely fantastic if he were to come to Baildon,” he said. “That’s better than I could have hoped for to have him on the case so soon.”

And in response to his letter to Mr Burns-Williamson, the sergeant in charge of his local NPT has already been in touch with Mr Higgie.

“I received an e-mail yesterday from Sgt Craig Grandison thanking me for raising concerns which had been passed on from the Police Authority in advance of the new Police Commisioner taking up his job. He also said that appropriate action would be taken against drug dealing in Cliffe Terrace.”

e-mail: chris.tate @telegraphandargus.co.uk