Tough new security measures are to be introduced at a wholesale market complex to combat long-running abuses of the rules.

All retailers visiting St James's Wholesale Market, off Wakefield Road in Bradford, will now have to apply for a buyer's entry card, which will cost £50 a year on proof of identity.

The system is designed to restrict entry to genuine retailers and weed out customers who use the market as a dumping ground for their waste.

From October 2 onwards, a security barrier near the market's gatehouse will prevent access to anyone who is not a registered buyer, making it much harder for bogus retailers to shop there.

CCTV cameras have also been installed in the market to catch people who dump waste or vandalise property. Offenders will then have their access cards withdrawn.

Noel Kershaw, president of the Wholesale Market Tenants' Association, said: "This is not about making money. It's to benefit the tenants and the customers.

"At the moment, we have no control over who is allowed access into the market, whether it is bona fide businesses or individuals just coming to the market to bypass certain retailers.

"Outside trading hours, you also get people wandering through the premises which causes a security risk and some tenants have suffered break-ins.

"The tenants have also suffered for years from the ongoing cost of processing waste - packaging, wood, cardboard or product waste - which is dumped in the market.

"At the moment, you might get a situation where the perpetrators are identified but we can't do anything about it. With the card system, you can take them away and deny access if they transgress waste regulations."

Colin Wolstenholme, Bradford Council's general markets manager, said: "We regularly talk to the tenants' association at the wholesale market on a range of business issues including how we can help them reduce their running costs.

"We have identified a number of problems which, if resolved, could reduce these costs, including people using the site to illegally dump refuse."

Mr Wolstenholme said tenants at the wholesale market were already using a card-only entry system which would now be extended to include customers.

He said: "The system will also help identify where their core customers come from and how often they attend.

"The tenants themselves suggested a fee of a pound a week for ID cards.

"Those who only visit the market a few times a year will be able to pay a daily fee, rather than the annual charge.

"The proceeds will then be re-invested back into the venue. This system will come into force from October 2."

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk