Orders have been slapped on criminals and troublemakers banning them from Keighley town centre.

Sixteen so-called exclusion notices have already been issued and a further 18 are in the pipeline.

Bosses at the Airedale Shopping Centre, where the initiative is being trialled, say the clampdown has had a big initial impact.

“It is aimed at people such as prolific shoplifters and those who cause a constant nuisance,” said centre manager Steve Seymour, who is also chairman of Keighley Town Centre Association (KTCA).

“The first notices have only recently gone out but we are already starting to see results and a positive response.

“We want to improve the experience for visitors to the town centre and identify those prolific offenders intent on creating problems.

“It is already making a difference.”

Of the exclusion notices issued so far, police said it imposed 11 for criminal behaviour – particularly shoplifting – and the remainder were issued by Airedale Centre security staff or businesses.

Mr Seymour said once the trial is complete, the aim is to extend the initiative. “Nearly 30 businesses in the centre have signed up to it and we are trialling the scheme to ensure everything is right,” he added. “We will be looking to expand it in the New Year to a wider area.”

Traders underwent training with the police earlier this month in preparation for the launch.

During the pilot period increased policing is being provided to guard against offenders moving to other parts of the town. A police spokesman said: “Criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in the town centre will not be tolerated and action will continue to ensure businesses, shoppers and other visitors do not have to put up with it.

“We are delighted to be working with partners to make Keighley town centre an improved and safer place.”

KTCA is jointly spearheading the venture and will feature a secure page on its website – ktca.co.uk – for businesses, providing information about known offenders.

The measures are building on existing crime-busting initiatives, such as anti-social behaviour orders, the Shoplink radio warning system and anti-drinking operations.