DRUGS are being used and dealt in broad daylight outside the town's railway station and college, it has been claimed this week.

Cars have been seen delivering suspected illegal substances to people loitering around the prominent town centre sites.

Now action is planned to crack down on the culprits.

Town councillor Michael Westerman, chairman of Keighley Public Transport Forum, said the problem is tarnishing the town's image.

"This is not a good example to set for anyone getting off the train and walking into Keighley for the first time," he added.

"It's a gateway to our town and this creates a bad impression."

Cllr Westerman said the issue seemed to be concentrated on the station's main forecourt and the alley connecting platform one with the college car park.

"I've spoken to the college and the police about it, and the police say they will be making their presence felt around that area," he added.

"They are going to be having another day of action with drug detector dogs."

He said illegal substances involved mostly appeared to be cannabis.

A Keighley Campus Leeds City College spokesman said: "We work with West Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, the British Transport Police, Keighley Railway Station, local councillors and other parties to ensure the town is a safe place for all.

"As part of a series of discussions led by Keighley Public Transport Forum, college senior managers have had recent discussions with representatives, including Cllr Westerman.

"Keighley Campus takes its responsibility for educating and keeping students safe seriously, and is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff, and raising awareness of the dangers and negative impact of drugs.

"There is a strict code of conduct for students, including disciplinary action for unacceptable behaviour."

Sergeant Mick Jackson, of British Transport Police, said: "We understand people’s concerns about illegal substances on the rail network and we will do everything in our power to bring prosecutions against those who deal drugs – either on the train or at stations.

“We are aware of anecdotal reports of cannabis use at Keighley railway station, and BTP officers who patrol the area are always on the lookout for anyone involved in such activities.

“However, we can only act on the information we receive and there have been just two cannabis-related calls to the station since the start of 2015. I would urge anyone who spots drug use or dealing at Keighley to contact us immediately on the non-emergency text number – 61016 – or by calling us on 0800 405040.”

No one from Northern Rail had responded to a Keighley News request for comment when the paper went to press.

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