DRUG dealers who have blighted part of a Keighley neighbourhood could find themselves caught on camera if they return.

Community leaders have welcomed the installation of new CCTV in Lawkholme.

One of the cameras covers a snicket which runs from Plover Street, along the southern side of Eastwood Primary School and into Victoria Park.

A second has been sited nearby at the junction of Lawkholme Lane and East Avenue.

As part of the same scheme an existing camera in Victoria Park has been upgraded.

The CCTV was funded by Bradford District Safer and Stronger Partnership, Bradford Council supported by Keighley Area Committee and by Keighley Town Council.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: “This is excellent news and credit to all involved.

“For the Clean Up Our Town anti-drugs campaign to work, we needed the community to come together and the relevant authorities to listen to the advice and concerns expressed by residents. This is exactly what we’ve seen.

“These cameras have been deployed in locations where local people feel they’ll deliver positive news for them and their families and bad news for drug dealers.

“This marks another significant step towards our shared goal of taking illegal drugs and the criminals who peddle them off the streets of Keighley.

“But we’re not there yet and we must maintain our collective resolve to finish the job.”

Keighley Central councillor Zafar Ali (Con) said: “A lot of drug dealing was taking place because when school has finished it is dark and quiet around here and they were taking advantage of that.

“Local people have been asking for this CCTV and as vice-chairman of Eastwood Primary School’s governing body I’m aware the school has raised it too.

“I want to express my gratitude to the funding bodies who’ve made this possible.”

Councillor Khadim Hussain (Ind, Keighley Central) added: “Whenever we’ve had community forums we’ve heard complaints about the situation in this particular area.

“I hope we can continue to work with the police and with Keighley Town Council to create a safer environment for the people of Keighley.”

Fellow ward councillor Abid Hussain (Lab) said: “I’m really delighted with these cameras. The technology is fantastic and will provide very good images.”