PEOPLE are smoking and dealing drugs outside a railway station and near a college, according to a councillor.

Cllr Michael Westerman said the problem threatened to harm the image of Keighley whenever new visitors arrived by train.

Cllr Westerman, a town councillor who chairs the Keighley Public Transport Forum, said cars have been seen dropping off suspected drugs to people in and around Keighley Station and Keighley Campus Leeds City College.

He said the issue appeared to be concentrated on the station's main forecourt and the alley connecting platform 1 to the college car park.

Cllr Westerman said: "This is not a good example to set for anyone getting off the train and walking into Keighley for the first time.

"It's a gateway to our town and creates a bad impression.

MORE KEIGHLEY HEADLINES

"I've spoken to the college and the police about it, and the police say they will be making their presence felt around the college and station," he said.

"They are going to be having another day of action with drug detector dogs.

"Some of the people who smoke in the alley are just smoking tobacco because they are not allowed to do this on the platforms, but you're not actually supposed to smoke in the alley either."

He said the illegal substance use mostly seemed to involve cannabis.

A Keighley Campus Leeds City College spokesman said: "We work with West Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, the British Transport Police, Keighley Railway Station, local councillors and other parties to ensure the town is a safe place for all.

"As part of a series of discussions led by Keighley Public Transport Forum, college senior managers have had recent discussions with representatives including Cllr Westerman.

"Keighley Campus takes its responsibility for educating and keeping students safe seriously, and is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff, and raising awareness of the dangers and negative impact of drugs.

"There is a strict code of conduct for students including disciplinary action for unacceptable behaviour."

Sergeant Mick Jackson, from British Transport Police, said: "We understand people’s concerns about illegal substances on the rail network and we will do everything in our power to bring prosecutions against those who deal drugs – either on the train or at stations.

“We are aware of anecdotal reports of cannabis use at Keighley railway station and BTP officers who patrol the area are always on the lookout for anyone involved in such activities.

“However, we can only act on the information we receive and there have been just two cannabis-related calls to the station since the start of 2015.

"I would urge anyone who spots drug use or dealing at Keighley to contact us immediately on the non-emergency text number – 61016 – or by calling us on 0800 405040.”

No one from Northern Rail had responded to a request for comment.