KEIGHLEY Tarn – or Redcar Tarn as it is officially known – has for many years been a popular spot for people seeking a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

It may not attract the number of visitors it once did in bygone days, but the location – which is brimming with wildlife – is still a favourite with many.

Unfortunately, it is also favoured by people with less innocent intentions.

The isolated nature of the area may deter your casual vandal, but the flipside of the coin means it is attractive to those seeking to pursue more-illicit activities.

Anti-social behaviour at the tarn is certainly not a new issue – problems have long been highlighted through the pages of this newspaper.

But, worryingly, the scale of the situation seems to have stepped-up a gear.

Identifying the problems is easy, tackling them is not quite as straightforward.

Police have been praised for their prompt response to the most recent complaints, and they have pledged to return to the site.

But with the best will in the world, and given that their resources are being fully stretched by the constant need for cash savings, officers' time up there is going to be limited.

A large onus rests with the general public. People need to be the 'eyes and ears' and report any suspicious activity.