Shoplifters and drug dealers could to be kicked out of Bradford city centre - possibly for life - by the use of special orders by Bradford Council and the police.

Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) currently used mainly on council estates could soon be applied for to get rid of offenders in the heart of the city.

The Council is setting up a specialist anti-social order team to look at the whole impact of anti-social behaviour and how to tackle it.

A spokesman said: "We are developing an ASBO strategy with police and other agencies for the district. We aim to deal with persistent offenders in the city centre such as shoplifters and drug dealers, in partnership with other agencies. ASBOs banning them from the city centre may be one of several options used."

The latest order granted by magistrates to the Council this week banned violent drug dealer and robber Paul Torfor Ullah from much of Bradford for the rest of his life.

He was said to have threatened vulnerable Council tenants with violence and in some cases taken over their homes after forcing them to flee.

Under the terms of the order, he cannot enter Bradford city centre and surrounding areas including Girlington, Lidget Green and Great Horton unless he has pre-arranged appointments with a doctor, solicitor, department of social security or official organisations. Any breach of the order is punishable by up to five years in jail.

The order also stipulates he cannot use, supply or possess any illegal drugs or harass, alarm or distress anyone in the district.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "We have to look at new ways of tackling this. We all know the effect of drugs on street crime as people try to get money to feed the habits. If we are going to revive the city, we have to clean it up in every way."

Chief Inspector Dave Young, Bradford district community safety co-ordinator, said: "New legislation allows greater flexibility for dealing with ASBOs. We are looking to fully use legislation in addressing criminality."

Today city centre traders welcomed the idea to bring the orders into the city centre.

Mary Frame, executive member of Bradford Chamber of Trade said: "All power to their elbow for using this to tackle the problems. It is very welcome. "

Stuart Cavallaro, manager of Bradford Marks & Spencer, said: "We do not tolerate shoplifting in any form. Anything which deters it would be welcome."

And Jeff Frankel, chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group, said: "It is an excellent idea if it works."

l Council tenants today welcomed the ban on Ullah.

Mike Stocks, chairman of the Community Association for the Regeneration of Estates, said: "It is the right of every tenant and resident to live a totally harassment-free life. I agree with any anti-social behaviour order which means people can have an orderly, quiet, friendly and peaceful life."

John Rawnsley, chairman of the district's tenants federation, said: "I am very much in favour of it. It seems the best way to deal with it."