A councillor says residents living near a former school site are being blighted by anti-social behaviour and flytipping.

Councillor Adrian Farley, of Keighley West ward, said local people first complained to him two months ago about problems at the site of the old Branshaw special school in Nashville Road, Keighley.

The school has been closed since April 2010, when pupils were transferred to Phoenix school in Braithwaite.

Bradford Council has responded that it intends for the property to be redeveloped to form a respite unit and accommodation for people with learning disabilities.

Cllr Farley said: “It started with residents of Carlby Grove complaining about paving stones being stolen from the pathway behind their homes, then I was alerted to the flytipping and anti-social behaviour.

“Residents told me there was also evidence of drug taking. I haven’t seen that myself, though I have seen smashed vodka and whisky bottles on this land.”

Jayne Hellowell, service manager for adults and housing related support, said: “We’re working on plans to develop a respite unit and bungalows for adults with learning disabilities.

“We will develop the respite unit while the housing contract is out to tender. We hope to select a suitable provider soon, and that building can start within this financial year. Meanwhile, steps are being taken to ensure gates around the site are locked.”