A group which has clubbed together to tackle problems they say their estate faces claim residents feel they are being “let down” by police.

The Buttershaw Neighbourhood Watch group, which brings together coordinators from across the estate, is hoping to make a difference by making links with police, highways and the Council to fight the issues affecting residents living on the estate.

And one simple message lies at the heart of the group - if you see something, report it.

Members claim the estate has been hit by a number of problems, from anti-social behaviour and speeding, to drug dealing and inconsiderate parking near schools.

But the group says police response times are an issue on the estate.

They said: “So many residents feel they are still being let down by police when asking for help.

“The police do not appear to be taking the reports given to them seriously.”

They said the general consensus is that many feel there is “lack of support” from police.

However, the group says it has passed these concerns on and has “been informed that a plan is in place to improve the presence of police on the estate with the return of local neighbourhood policing teams” and that new local officers will hopefully bring the “mayhem of unruly residents who do not care about where they live” to an end.

Councillor Angela Tait (Lab, Royds) said she does share and can understand some of the group’s frustrations, but it can sometimes be difficult to take action if culprits can’t be identified.

She added that it is hoped there will be fuller coverage of the ward from early next year.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police in Bradford South are aware of the issues in Buttershaw and local officers are working closely with partners and the community to identify and take action against those who are thought to be involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“All reports of crime are taken seriously and are recorded for investigation to make sure that all possible lines of enquiry are followed up.”

“Anyone with information about those involved in drug dealing can report it to the local team on 101, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where reports can be made anonymously.”

Meanwhile, the group is still encouraging people to report issues to ensure that problems are highlighted and resources can be targeted where they are needed.