THE PRESENCE of rough sleepers, beggars and drunken people on the streets of Bradford is undoubtedly damaging for the city's reputation.

There's a real risk that people will be put off visiting or investing in the city centre when faced with the sight of dishevelled characters huddled in doorways or lager louts strewn across benches.

And that's why the authorities must pull together to use all tools at their disposal to rid Bradford of a problem that is threatening to undermine all the good regeneration work that has taken place in recent months and years.

City Park is an eye-catching attraction but, if you look more closely, you'll often see a group of street drinkers sitting just yards away in Centenary Square, detracting from its appeal.

Sunbridge Wells will be a terrific, quirky shopping venue when it opens but, walk up the stone steps that run from its main entrance to Sunbridge Road, and you'll regularly be greeted by broken beer bottles and the strong smell of urine.

Many are eagerly awaiting the £4 million transformation of St George's Hall but, take a stroll up the ramp at the front of the building, and you'll find bedding and drinks bottles that have been used by rough sleepers.

In other parts of the city centre, there are many examples of positive change being blighted by this stubborn, depressing and off-putting problem.

With the city seemingly on the brink of better times - and the Tour de Yorkshire due to arrive here next year - now is the time for urgent action to tackle this menace.