Silsden Business Watch met on Monday to discuss an action plan to reduce crime in the town.

It was supported by police who are looking into youth projects to constructively occupy Silsden's young people.

Chairman of the newly formed Business Watch John Lohan is urging even more businesses to get involved and attend the next meeting.

He says: "We had an excellent turnout, about 30 people came as did ward councillors David Emmott and Eric Dawson.

"Silsden Town Council has given us their full backing and councillor Chris Atkinson is on board.

"It was a really important meeting and it was good to see such commitment and enthusiasm from the people who came."

Mr Lohan says the group's main aims are to lobby for further funding for CCTV in the town, to get the police station running again and to look at other ways of reducing crime in the town.

Councillor Chris Atkinson says: "Every body wants to make this work. We are not asking anyone to pay for CCTV. One person won't stand a chance of securing funding but altogether we can get things done."

Mr Lohan explains: "PC Craig Stothers has got some fantastic ideas for starting up some kind of youth group to provide something to do for the kids who get bored and get into trouble in the town.

"We are all really positive about this and I would ask that even more business come and support us at the next meeting.

"Instead of fighting these problems alone, if everyone comes along we can make it our fight and we can really make a difference in the town." The next meeting will be held in about 6 weeks time and will be announced nearer the time.

l At Silsden Town Council meeting last Thursday PC Craig Stothers said: "Comparing March last year and March this year there has been a slight increase in general crime. I do think that the youth project will help things get sorted.

"Violent crime has come down and more drug offences have been recorded which is a tribute to all the hard work at CID. They are detecting these crimes and getting them off the street."