Police and Council chiefs have pledged to rid Bradford district streets, including Shipley, of abandoned cars within a day of them being dumped.

Following a new agreement between the authorities, residents were today told that vehicles reported abandoned during the week would be removed within 24 hours. Under the old system, it took at least seven days for the vehicles - which often attracted vandals and arsonists - to be cleared away. But since the new arrangements began on July 1, more than 600 vehicles have been removed at top speed.

Now, when police officers determine a vehicle has been abandoned, they alert the Council which removes them promptly .

The vehicles are then placed into storage for seven days before being taken to a scrap yard for recycling.

The scheme is being rolled out across the Bradford district. Chief Inspector John Chambers, of Bradford Police, said: "This is an excellent example of the police and the Council working together."