A crime crackdown is planned for Highfield as part of the area's first wave of regeneration projects.

Keighley police will send in a special team bringing together beat bobbies with hi-tech crime analysts.

They will tackle drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and other crimes on the streets of the rundown area.

The crime and community safety campaign is one of six new initiatives designed to improve life in Highfield.

They were approved at last week's meeting of Keighley's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Partnership Board.

The government is giving £4 million over four years for a range of innovative housing, environmental and community projects.

Residents are coming together with Bradford council, the SRB board and other local agencies to devise innovative new solutions.

The police campaign will cost £9,765 over the next 12 months and involve extra police patrols and a newsletter for residents.

A specially-trained officer will use computers to analyse crime figures and predict where future incidents may occur.

The crackdown was planned in response to requests by Highfield residents for increased police action.

They decided against installing CCTV cameras due to cost and the risk of intruding on people's privacy.

Keighley police Inspector Richard Ogilvie, who will lead the campaign, accepts that increased policing could increase racial tension in Highfield.

But he says officers will be sensitive to relevant issues and liaise closely with residents and community leaders.

More than 130 local people attended the second round of meetings of the three Highfield SRB working groups.

All residents are welcome at the regular meetings of the Environment, Housing and Quality of Life groups.

Each meeting discussed an action plan for the second year of the SRB programme, which begins this April.

Crime and community safety was top of the agenda for the Quality of Life group, particularly the lack of lighting around Highfield.

Black spots included Victoria Mews, Granville Street and the entrance to Highfield Middle School and Devonshire Park.

Many residents supported greater use of CCTV cameras, but others had reservations about civil liberties and monitoring costs.

Chris Slaven, Keighley's SRB crime and community safety officer, will carry out a feasibility study.

The group discussed possible health projects including awareness courses on subjects such as first aid, diet, nutrition and drugs, and more research into health issues.

The Environment working group suggested sites needing improvement such as Victoria Mews, Redcliffe Avenue, Highfield Lane and the Devonshire Street electricity sub-station.

Residents supported plans for improvements such as new seating, footpath resurfacing and on Highfield Lane, due to be carried out before April.

Serious concerns were raised about the possibility of vandalism and the site becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour.

Residents suggested facilities for young people should be in place before going ahead with the improvements.

The group also expressed support for a full-time ranger in Devonshire Park, more litter bins, community clean-up campaigns and community tree-planting around Burgess Field.

The Housing group were told of the next steps in the housing improvement programme, including a stock condition survey to identify the extent of problems.

Householders will be consulted in detail about how they feel about their housing conditions, and the options for improving them.

The working groups meet once every six weeks at Highfield School and are open to all residents. Phone Highfield SRB manager Tony Mullin on 01535 618095 for details.

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