Bradford University is calling for extra police patrols on campus to deter kerb-crawlers and prostitutes who harass staff and students.

The university's students' union says it is receiving regular complaints from women who are being approached by 'punters' as they walk through the city's red-light area.

And male students and staff say they are equally fed up of being propositioned by prostitutes who are working the streets near the university.

The unions' women's officer Abi Smith says although police are responding quickly to the complaints a return to regular night patrols would nip the problem in the bud.

Miss Smith said: "The police response has been excellent, but perhaps a return to nightly patrols is a good idea.

"The red-light district is very close to the university. Most of the incidents happen late at night, but some students are being approached during the day. People aren't necessarily being threatened, but it is making them feel uncomfortable."

During the last five months the students' union has received almost 20 complaints about harassment, but Miss Smith fears this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

"When I lived in the area I used to get propositioned about twice a day, but I never thought to report it to anyone. It could be that this is a bigger problem than we imagined. This is one of the safest campuses in the country, but if students or staff are experiencing problems we would urge them to contact us," she said.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers were working closely with the students' union in an effort to stamp out the problems.

He said: "Bradford Central Police is represented on a newly-formed student safety team which looks at a range of issues, including problems connected with prostitution - over the last few months the strategy has seen a reduction in crime and nuisance. Officers are working closely with university staff and talks are on-going regarding policing of the campus."

Bradford University is already patrolled by its own team of security guards. Other safety initiatives include a CCTV system and special night bus to ferry students between the library and their homes.

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