There was a great deal of relief felt when, more than a year ago, the police successfully rounded up members of a drugs gang whose activities had been making life a misery for the people of the Buttershaw estate and putting temptation in the way of vulnerable young people.

The police did a commendable job of gathering evidence against them and the courts made sure they would be unable to ply their evil trade for some time. Buttershaw looked forward to a new future free from the influence of the criminals who had been dragging it down.

Unfortunately, though, the rejoicing turned out to be premature. Dealers operating elsewhere on the estate quickly became aware of the vacuum created by the jailing of members of this gang and moved into the territory they had vacated.

The fact that they were so swift to take advantage of the situation demonstrates the ruthless nature of the drugs trade and the preparedness of those involved in it to lose no opportunity to peddle their poison.

However, the police have proved themselves well up to the challenge presented by these criminals. Once more they have painstakingly collected their evidence and made their arrests. And yesterday members of the second gang were given substantial prison sentences. Again, the law-abiding people of Buttershaw can look forward to a better life.

Surely now the dealers will have got the message that they are not wanted on that estate - or anywhere else in Bradford, for that matter - and that the police will work effectively against them wherever they set up in business.