Police in Shipley have increased patrols on a secluded street which has become popular with prostitutes and their punters.

Officers say Powell Road, which runs off Gaisby Lane, is being used as a 'lover's lane' in the hours of darkness.

People have been driving to the area, parking up to have sex, then throwing used condoms out of their cars, according to police.

PC Andy Farrell, of Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are aware that the road is being used by prostitutes and if we do apprehend any people who are curb crawling and taking part in prostitution, we will take positive action and arrest them.

"It's one of these little secluded spots which is being used as a lover's lane. Prostitutes have been spotted there.

"There have been a number of reports that people are using it for casual sex and people have been identified who are involved in prostitution.

"They leave condoms, tissues and hypodermic needles lying around, which creates a health and safety issue for anyone else using the lane.

"We try to divert as many people as we can. We have moved a number of vehicles on from that area and we have increased patrols.''

A working group, made up of councillors, police and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, has been formed to investigate the extent of the problem and to come up with possible solutions.

Councillor Vanda Greenwood (Lab, Windhill and Wrose), who is leading the working group, said: "It's a difficult one for the police because they have to catch them in the act, so to speak. We think the punters are coming from out of the area.''

Coun Greenwood said the problem had sprung up in the last three months since the new changing facilities were completed at the nearby Bolton Woods Juniors football pitch.

She said bollards in the turning circle or street lighting would help to combat the problem, but she added that both would be quite costly.

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab, Windhill & Wrose), general manager of Bolton Woods Juniors, said: "This is happening because it's an isolated road, which makes it attractive for people who want to have casual sex.

"The children don't see the remnants of this. We are always first there and, on the three occasions when there have been condoms lying around, we have cleaned it up before the children arrived, so it's certainly nothing to be alarmed about.''