Cleckheaton police station could be relocated to the town centre in an effort to stamp out serious crime.

Traders, residents and councillors in Cleckheaton have become increasingly concerned about a recent spate of crimes in the town centre. Incidents have included ram raids and commercial burglaries.

Police have decided to take action by moving the police station from its current location in York Place into the town centre.

Chief Superintendent John Cocliff, Dewsbury's Divisional Commander, said: "Attempts are under way to relocate the police station into a more central position.

"We are aware of crimes and patterns within the division including specific incidents in Cleckheaton town centre and obviously we need to prioritise resources.

"There is a permanent community beat officer assigned to the town centre as well as regular patrols.

"Several initiatives have been undertaken with the assistance of the COPS team (Community Orientated Problem Solving) and the Operational Support Unit which have proved successful.

"While crime levels remain pretty constant, fear of crime is of major concern and it seems to have risen disproportionately.

"This is why we will look to increase the visible presence when Police Community Support Officers are recruited."

Spenborough Chamber of Trade, which is calling for CCTV in the town, welcomed the plan.

President Keith Joplin said: "I am concerned about the growing pattern of crime happening after midnight and of a serious nature.

"Traders are fed up with this happening on a weekly basis. I wait on a Monday morning to get a phone call from the traders to tell me what's been happening in the town.

"In the last four years while I've been in place, we've certainly turned the town around and we want to encourage people to visit.