A battle to end the spiralling gipsy crisis in Bradford will soon be underway, according to the new commander of Odsal police.

Supt Simon Willsher, 36, said he was aware of the problems the travellers had brought to businesses and residents in recent months.

"There are plans to hold a meeting with police, Bradford Council and possibly businesses to see how we can tackle the situation," he said.

No date for talks has been finalised as yet - but he said: "I would be happy to get everyone round a table and plan the way forward."

Supt Willsher takes over the helm from Supt Malcolm Procter, who retired last December.

He stressed that he wanted the public to come forward and help police stamp out crime across the city.

"We need residents to come to us and share their concerns, whatever the crime - but it is important that we strangle the demand for offences to begin to take place."

His move to Yorkshire is a far cry from his home in Battersea, London. But he admits to enjoying northern life.

After leaving Birmingham University in 1984 with a degree in political science and international studies, he joined Surrey Police force, where he quickly rose through the ranks and was involved in a range of operations.

He joined West Yorkshire Police last year and was instrumental in co-ordinating a major traffic review in the area.

And as head of community safety he recently played a major part in working on a crime and disorder board at West Yorkshire Police headquarters in Wakefield - which highlighted the major issues that need to be addressed across the city.

He said: "We will continue to wage war against burglars, to squeeze out drug dealers and tackle domestic violence.

"Already there has been a lot of work done in these areas and I want to build on this. So we will continue to work with other agencies and form new partnerships over the next 12 months."

He aims to recruit more special constables and improve staff working conditions to improve the service to the public.

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