A BRADFORD student claims that crime and drugs use in the area near the university is blighting the lives of residents.

James Neville said he found one drug user asleep in his garden and that fellow students are so appalled, they would not return to Bradford.

Mr Neville, who is a student and tenant living opposite the University of Bradford, has contacted police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, MPs and councillors to highlight the issues.

He said there were a lot of drug users around the area who congregated around a particular house.

He revealed: "I was leaving my property and saw a user asleep in my garden, near the door. He was high on drugs, with needles, and had made a mess in the garden after rummaging through the dustbins. When I told him to leave, he casually lit his cigarette.

"It is incredible. It's like Zombies, just coming on to private land, but this is real, not a movie.

"Now we have to be careful to make sure they don't burgle us, and also to somehow keep them away from our homes."

Mr Neville said he was a second year student in Bradford, and although the University was good, the surrounding area was terrible in terms of crime and drugs.

He added: "To think this is a northern powerhouse, you have to be deluded. In reality it is a drugs house.

"I am speaking for many and the consensus is most students would not bother coming back to Bradford, or speak of it in positive terms. My fellow housemates think 'why spend our tuition fees in Bradford if we can go to Leeds, Manchester, or other universities with the same courses."

Councillor Nazam Azam (Lab,City) said he was aware of the issues and it was a concern.

"I take the issue very, very seriously," he said. "It is very, very concerning to have drug taking and anti-social behaviour, in any form, on your doorstep. It is not acceptable, whatever it is.

"Police and other agencies have met with residents of that area. Hopefully we can tackle the issues with a multi-agency approach."

Earlier this month, Coun Azam highlighted an issue of used drugs syringes being dumped in an alleyway behind Spring Place, Great Horton.

Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah said residents had raised the issue of drug use and she had been part of a group addressing the problems with police. There had been a clean up campaign.

Chief Inspector Ian Gayles, of Bradford District Police, said: "The Bradford West Area team held a meeting last week to discuss public concerns relating to drug misuse and anti-social behaviour in this area and have agreed an action plan with partners and residents to tackle the issues raised.

"The team's ward officer, PC Simon Ritchie, will continue to work closely with them. A follow up meeting has been planned for next month, where an update will be provided on the work that has been carried out.

"Burglary in the ward is down by a third compared to last year and thefts from motor vehicle have been reduced by 36 per cent. We will continue to work to drive this down further.

"Police are aware of how drug misuse and anti-social behaviour can affect communities, and take all reports seriously, acting on this information wherever possible.

"Anyone with concerns about crime is asked to contact their local policing team on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111."

The University of Bradford's director of student and academic services, Nikki Pierce, said it worked closely with partners to ensure that students, visitors and residents enjoyed the best experience possible.

She said: "This includes the welfare of our students, which we take very seriously indeed. However, we are never complacent and I am seeking to invite the student to meet with me to discuss his concerns. We will also be discussing this issue with West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council.”