Some people have a distorted picture of what Bradford city centre is actually like.

For instance, it is certainly true that the mothballed Westfield development and the recession have had a major impact on retailers, with more than 20 per cent of shops standing empty, according to latest figures.

But it is not fair to conclude, as some do, that it has little to offer shoppers – with many national and independent retailers still open for business.

Similarly there are people who rarely if ever venture into the centre and seem to believe it is a crime hotspot. The reality, of course, is very different.

So while a recent police survey showed that drinkers and drug users are the main issues in the area, this must be kept in perspective.

That is not to dismiss these concerns, however. Those who live in Bradford or who come into it to work, shop or enjoy themselves, should not have to put up with addicts and drunks bothering them – even when they don’t actually pester people, such groups can be intimidating.

It also must not be forgotten that work on the City Park is well under way and in the not-too-distant future it should be attracting more people into central Bradford.

So staying on top of the problem makes sense both now and for the future.

The police are right to claim some good results, but more can still be done.