Most Keighley people contacted in a recent survey believe a police anti-drugs blitz is proving a success.

Five thousand survey forms were sent out to residents across Keighley and Bradford seeking their views on the Crack Down initiative, launched last July.

Since the setting up of a dedicated district drugs team, over 230 people have been arrested for drugs-related offences, including 106 on suspicion of dealing in Class A drugs.

A district drugs co-ordinator was also appointed to work with other agencies to increase the number of users accessing treatment, to educate people and protect them from the threat of drugs.

Almost two thirds of survey respondents said they were aware of the Crack Down initiative, having seen reports in the media, on local buses and on posters.

Fifty-seven per cent felt that the police operation had made the district a more drug free area, and 27 per cent believed that the level of drug dealing within their locality had decreased.

Most respondents also felt that treatment would help drug offenders overcome their addiction and break the cycle of drug abuse.

Superintendent Mark Whyman, speaking on behalf of the district's divisional commanders, said he was delighted that the project was having a positive impact in the community.

He said: "When we launched Crack Down we were determined to disrupt local drug markets and protect communities from the threat of drugs.

"I find it very encouraging that people are recognising that the police and other agencies, particularly those in the Bradford Drug Alcohol Action Team, have been working hard to rid the district of drugs.

"People clearly recognise that drugs are a major problem and one that the police cannot tackle alone.

"We are working very hard with our partners to tackle the evil of drug abuse across the whole spectrum from prevention to education, to enforcement and treatment. The police will persistently target those who continue to cause misery in our communities."

He said the public had continued to show its support by calling the anonymous Dob in a Dealer hotline, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

He added: "We have had more than 500 calls to Dob in a Dealer. Sometimes these snippets of information have been the final piece of the jigsaw, which has enabled us to obtain a search warrant and make an arrest.

"We hope people will keep on calling with information about car registration numbers, names of people involved in drugs or addresses where drug dealing might be taking place."