POLICE are stepping up their ongoing crackdown against anti-social drinkers in Bradford city centre, with six people told to leave the area in one day last week.

They say they are listening to concerns raised about people supping alcohol and behaving anti-socially around City Park and other central areas.

PC Joanne Armstrong, the city centre ward officer, said that in one day six people had been issued with direction to leave notices, banning them from the city centre for 48 hours. They will be arrested and taken to court if they are seen in the area.

PC Armstrong pledged: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable, and positive action will be taken against anyone acting in a manner that affects the public and businesses enjoying their every day activities.”

Police have been battling for months to tackle problems of beggars and people drinking in public places, being noisy and causing disruption to others.

In February, officers issued 18 dispersal orders in 48 hours, in Forster Square, Rawson Road and Great Horton Road, following complaints from the public about rowdy behaviour.

Traders around the Oastler Market have demanded more action over nuisance street drinkers who harm their businesses.

Inspector Mike Bonner, of Bradford District Police, said: “Police are continuing to work closely with partners to tackle the issue of people drinking on the streets of Bradford city centre and the anti-social behaviour that is often associated with it.

“Those people frequenting the city centre with needs such as housing or food are referred to agencies who can help them to address these particular needs.

“Police take positive action against those who do not engage, which progresses towards court action for those involved in repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“There are 60 people currently on Criminal Behaviour Orders in Bradford District, almost half of those are on individuals known to frequent the city centre.

“Anyone who breaches the terms and conditions of their order faces being taken back to court for further action. The requirements of each order are specifically set to make sure that those affected by their actions are protected from further harm.

“Police also have powers to remove people from the city centre to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour escalating and used these powers against more than 400 separate individuals between June 2015 and June 2016.

“Partnership work is continuing on other measures to address anti-social behaviour in the city centre, which is something we all take seriously as it is in everyone’s interests that the city centre continues to be a safe place.”