Keighley's MP is to give a written assurance to residents who say their lives are being blighted by verbal and physical attacks.

Ann Cryer is writing to all householders in the area around Lund Park to reassure them that action is being taken to stamp out problems.

Several hundred letters will be sent out in the next few days.

The move follows a flood of complaints to the constituency office from people who claim they are being subjected to abuse and intimidation.

The Keighley News has also received a number of letters and phone calls.

Mrs Cryer said: "We have had a lot of concerns expressed to us by residents in the Lund Park area whose lives are being made a misery through threats and harassment.

"This type of behaviour, wherever it occurs, is totally unacceptable.

"I have met with Keighley's police commander and he assures me that the problems at Lund Park are being given high priority and that action is being taken.

"Through the letter I aim to get the message across to residents -- and to the perpetrators -- that something is being done about the situation and that no-one is above the law."

She is also urging people to inform the police immediately about any crime in their area and she pledges to work with local councillors and community leaders to address the problems.

She added: "By working together with the police, the anti-social and criminal behaviour of the small minority can be overcome."

Keighley police commander Chief Supt Graham Sunderland echoes her comments and said he fully supported the letter.

He said:"There has been massive police activity in that area and we have had some cracking results -- we have arrested a number of people for anti-social behaviour -- but most of our work has been during the hours of darkness. This letter lets people know what we are doing.

"We are conscious that we need the public's help. We need people to have the confidence to report things to us and help us. We have a much bigger and stronger resolve and army than those few young idiots who are making life miserable for residents.

"If we get together and do this through lawful channels -- we won't accept any vigilantism -- we can eradicate the problem.

"I know people are saying there is one law for some and another for others, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"It is not an ethnic issue -- these are young louts and we need to work together to stop them. I would also make an appeal to the parents of these idiots -- do you know where your child is during the hours of darkness?"

Chief Supt Sunderland is also calling for improved lighting in Lund Park.

"I was in there last night and I couldn't see my hand in front of my face -- it was pitch black.

"Lack of lighting increases people's fears and gives these idiots cover."