A BRADFORD district MP has said that Keighley is being treated “like a playground” by drug users and people engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, spoke in Parliament yesterday and raised concerns over “violent” incidents happening in his constituency.

He added that some are using roads in the area like a “racetrack”, and that fireworks were being let off “late at night”.

Mr Moore added that there are “complex” reasons as to why young people “could be drawn into committing crimes”, also saying that they need to be “offered pathways to a life out of crime”.

“I am sad to say that Keighley experiences its fair share of anti-social behaviour, which goes on further into organised crime”, he said.

“I am sad to say that in Keighley, Ilkley and Silsden, young people are taking drugs and leaving used needles and empty canisters behind. These people are treating my my town of Keighley like a playground, with no respect for the wider community.

“Too often I receive heart-breaking pieces of correspondence from constituents, telling gut-wrenching stories about going about their own business only to be assaulted and mugged in Keighley by mobs of thugs wearing balaclavas.

“What is worrying is that although I have many fantastic independent local businesses in the centre of Keighley, wanting to encourage people into the town to drive economic prosperity, people are being put off from coming in because of these issues.

“I am aware that there are many reasons - often complex - why young people could be drawn into committing crimes. They might have had a troubled upbringing, with little family care or support, or have had negative influences around them.

“Solving such issues is not easy, but we must offer young people different pathways to a life out of crime, so that they are not dragged into those circumstances.

“We must provide a way out for them and their friends, so that they do not get drawn into drug dealing, which is a huge challenge.

“Youth services and youth workers play a vital role in helping those in disadvantaged positions. They help provide great services to many of the young people in my constituency.”

Mr Moore finished his speech by asking the Minister: “Can we ensure that for those who are convicted of crimes, justice is served quickly, so that my local businesses and residents feel that justice has been served in a timely manner?”