A DISTRICT MP has pledged to battle the scourge of illegal drugs in a town-centre community.

Keighley representative Kris Hopkins said ongoing problems with drug abuse must be “tackled head-on”.

He is sending out hundreds of survey forms to residents across the Keighley Central ward to canvass their views.

The Conservative MP will then look to formulate an action plan with agencies.

But one Keighley Central councillor said the drugs problem was not unique to that specific area and added that much was already being done to tackle the issue.

Mr Hopkins said he had spoken to many business owners and residents who shared his concerns. He said parents feared their children could be targeted by dealers.

“I have launched my survey to obtain the clear views of local people and help build up the clearest possible picture of the scale and nature of the challenge we face,” he added.

“I intend to present the results to the relevant agencies so that a targeted and sustained fightback can be formulated.

“Extra resources will undoubtedly be required and I will make that case robustly But if we are to be successful in this campaign, it is vital the community comes together as a whole.

“That is why we need as many local people as possible to play an active role, beginning with the completion of the survey.

“Anyone wishing to become more involved in the campaign should contact my office in complete confidence. We need as much help as we can get.”

Abid Hussain, a Keighley Central Labour councillor, agreed the ward had drugs problems.

But he added: “This is a district-wide issue. We as councillors are working hard with the police and other agencies to tackle the problem.

“There is much good work going on and the police are doing a fantastic job.

“We’ve got CCTV cameras at different locations which is helping to combat drugs and other crimes.

“We do need the community’s support and we need more investment to get our young people into sports and activities, which will improve their health and help keep them off the streets.”

He is planning to put a motion to the full Bradford Council this month.

Police said they were continuing to work with partner organisations and the public to tackle drug-related crime in the town.

On Monday, officers arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after he was seen acting suspiciously in the Lawkholme area.

He has since been bailed pending further inquiries.

A quantity of heroin and crack cocaine was recovered.

Anyone with information about suspected drugs activity is asked to contact the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team on 101 or speak to a ward officer.

Mr Hopkins said anybody who had not received a survey form, but would like to take part should visit krishopkins.co.uk, e-mail kris.hopkins.mp@parliament.uk or call his office on 01535 211152.

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