NEIGHBOURHOOD watch members on a Bradford estate are clubbing together in a show of strength against the problems they say their area faces.

The Buttershaw Neighbourhood Watch group, which brings together coordinators from across the estate, now boasts more than 300 members on its Facebook group, and is making links with police, Highways and the Council to make a difference.

Following its initial success, it’s hoped even more people will come on board to act as advocates for their streets.

And one simple message lies at the heart of the group - if you see something, report it.

Members claim the estate has been hit by a number of problems, from anti-social behaviour and speeding, to drug dealing and inconsiderate parking near schools.

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Stuart Raistrick, who spearheads the group, said: “We are not going to accept it any longer.

“There are still a lot of fragile things in the community and it’s about trying to knit them together. This is the early stages of it.”

He added: “It’s about encouraging people to report things.”

One resident, who did not want to be named, said she feels scared in her own home.

She said: “Where I live, I’m quite lucky, but I’m in a bubble, but all around me its horrendous. I feel like it’s coming in closer.

“Gangs of youths, cars, you’re laying in bed at night and you’re cringing at the sound of the cars.”

The resident added that she did not want to let her children play out.

Sergeant Karen Harrop urged residents to make reports when something happens and stressed that it could be done anonymously.

The group is also working on a number of other projects, including tackling speeding, fly-tipping and encouraging people to take pride in their area.

An e-petition has been lodged with Bradford Council to reduce speeding on Reevy Crescent, which says the road is used as a “race track” by vehicles.

A speed watch on the estate has also been arranged.

Councillor Angela Tait (Royds, Labour) has been working with the group.

She said: “I think it will make a difference. It’s about looking out for each other and bringing back some of that community spirit and caring for each other.

“I’m hopeful it will go from strength to strength.”

She said she hoped the group would give people the confidence to report crime and said: “If people are not reporting things, they are not going to get the police resources.”

To get in touch with the group, contact Cllr Tait on 07582 100591.