A new police chief has vowed to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour and street drug dealing in towns in the north of Bradford district after taking over as the area’s commander.

Chief Superintendent Angela Williams pledged to keep the community at the heart of policing yesterday after she was named Divisional Commander for Airedale and Bradford North police, which includes Shipley, Bingley and Keighley.

The Keighley-born former Bradford South division Superintendent took up her latest role after the retirement of Chief Superintendent Ian Kennedy. Chief Supt Williams said: “I know from the priorities set by residents throughout Airedale and North Bradford that anti social behaviour remains one of their key concerns.

“There is already a lot of work ongoing to tackle this in the division, showing impressive results, yet there is still more to do.

“I accept that anti social behaviour concerns vary across the division. From the anti social use of quad bikes at Eccleshill, to reported night time rowdy behaviour at Bingley and the street dealing of drugs in Keighley.”

The 42-year-old, married mother of two was born in Airedale Hospital in Steeton, Keighley, and will be returning to her roots.

She worked for 21 years across Bradford as a sergeant at Bradford Central, and as a patrol inspector, detective inspector and chief inspector at Airedale and North Bradford division.

Chief Supt Williams added: “Having spoken to officers in all departments during my first few days here, it is obvious they possess that same personal ambition and passion.”