A rallying call has been put out by Keighley's MP to take courage and stamp out the town's drug problem.

It came in the wake of MP Ann Cryer hitting national headlines after telling the BBC that in some areas of the town constituents were living in fear of violence and intimidation -- hallmarks of gangs of young Asian youths who believe they are above the law.

In the interview she told of the four recent murders of young Asian men by young Asian men, all connected with drug-gang related problems.

Asian community leaders have agreed with her that there is a problem in the town and have pledged to continue fighting it.

This week the Keighley News, which has consistently campaigned against drug misuse, pledged its support to the campaign.

In the radio interview, Mrs Cryer expressed concern that underachieving youngsters in the Asian community saw drug dealers in smart suits and big cars as role models.

She said: "People in Asian communities have to turn in these dangerous yobs who think they are untouchable. I know some community members will not go to the police and want to protect their own, but in the long run they are not."

She immediately came under attack by Shahid Malik, a member of Labour's National Executive Committee and a former member of the Commission for Racial Equality , who branded Mrs Cryer a menace, saying her comments were "dangerous and irresponsible".

She later told the Keighley News: "This is not an attack on any particular community and nor is it an attempt to find scapegoats.

"Rather, I am pointing out the indisputable fact that the status quo is simply not working."

She continued: "The vast majority of my constituents are law-abiding people who want to live in harmony. It is unfortunate that the actions of a minority can damage that aim.

"It is important that the whole community works together (especially with the police) without the fear of retribution (either physical or verbal), to challenge the unacceptable behaviour of those who commit crime.

Mujeeb Rahman, of the Ahmaddiya Muslim Association, said: "It is quite apparent that there is a problem within the community.

"It is not just Asian youths involved, but we also agree that community elders should try to do more.

"For a long time the elders had their eyes closed to reality and were not aware of the problems that were going on. All these problems have suddenly surfaced and some are in shock.

"Although it's worth noting that kids are not always with their parents and elders -- they are at school too, where we hope drugs issues are raised. It is a problem which needs to be faced head on and openly.

"We need to unite with courage and determination to speak out against the fear and to talk about these issues so that they can be solved."

Khadim Hussain, from the Sangat Centre, said: "I would like to stress how much I respect Ann Cryer on a personal level. She is not a racist and I believe she has good intentions.

"I also know how things can be taken out of context but I was saddened to read comments made by her that seem to tar all Asians with the same brush, emphasising the negative aspects of this town.

"There have been murders in this town and there is a drug problem, but an awful lot of hard work has been put in since to try to bring peace and harmony. We have been working with all sorts of agencies to focus on young people and comments like these destroy all that effort.

"Remarks like hers take away the confidence of the community. The problems she speaks of are not restricted problems, they are not confined to the Asian community".

Chairman of the Ittehaad Muslim Community Centre Mohammed Saleem said: "There are problems in every culture and religion. The key is education. Parents must take responsibility for this at the home and it needs to be followed through in school."