A PIONEERING ‘on-street surgery’ by Keighley police and council staff proved successful in the Knowle Park area.

Officers spent almost three hours pounding the neighbourhood’s terraced streets with members of the Bangladeshi Community Association.

Sgt Pete Softley said: “It was a really productive walk around the streets with residents coming out to speak.

“There was a mixed bag of complaints and concerns -- dog fouling and fly tipping, which are being followed up by the council, and drugs, which we will look at.

“I see this as the way forward. The Bangladesh Community Association were really receptive.”

The on-street surgery was carried out following a successful pilot in Haworth, when the council also cleaned gullies and swept the streets.

The initiative, the brainchild of Sgt Softley, was introduced to counter ever-reducing attendance at traditional public meetings.

Police and council officers are able to speak with residents face-to-face and visit the areas of concern immediately.