A former police station in Silsden is being used as an illegal drugs den, it has been claimed.

The discovery was made by town councillors who went to the station, at Bolton Road, following a planning meeting last week.

Councillor Chris Atkinson was among eight councillors who "raided" the drugs hideout after reports of youths going around the back of the unused building.

He said: "There were loads of paper everywhere that they had been burning and a 'bong'.

"A 'bong' is a bottle with a needle in it, which they smoke drugs through the water inside it.

"I think it's very ironic that a former police station is now being used by these druggies.

"But what can we do other than tell the police? It's really unbelievable that they've made it into a drug den."

Deputy Mayor Cllr Michael Elsmore added: "The site was a total mess. People have been setting fire to paper and magazines and there was a bottle showing evidence of smoking cocaine.

"I was very surprised but I wouldn't say I was shocked because we have known drugs usage previously."

Silsden Town Council has been campaigning to convert the former Kirkgate police station into a community contact point for over a year.

A petition signed by residents backing the plan was handed in to Wakefield police headquarters last month. This latest incident has also angered Cllr Patricia Bottomley.

She said: "The council would like to see the building used as a community contact point, but I'm concerned that these youths need help and activities in Silsden.

"We are trying to get a skateboard and a trial bike park and we have some funding for that, so work could start in October for this."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "A piece of drugs paraphernalia has been found in the grounds of the building.

"We believe this to be an isolated incident.

"There is no information whatsoever that there is a drugs problem in Silsden."

He added that anybody with information on people involved in drugs or anti-social behaviour should contact police on 01274 537441.

The neighbourhood policing team is also going to pay special attention to the area.