COMMUNITY leaders in Keighley's Central ward have applauded the results achieved by the police crackdown on drug dealing in this part of the town.

The convictions achieved over the last few months by the 2016 undercover Operation Saucerlake have made a real, positive impact on residents' lives in the ward according to three district councillors.

Councillor Khadim Hussain said the police's hard work had re-established the community's confidence.

Cllr Abid Hussain said: "The police have been magnificent. They have listened to local people, and this operation gives the strong message that both the police and wider community will not tolerate drug dealing.

"Anyone who commits these crimes deserves to be arrested and brought to justice.

"I do think think this will make a long-term difference in Keighley and it's important to protect our children, because we don't want them getting involved in this kind of crime.

"I hope the police continue with the operation. As councillors we're already working with the police now, and we'll continue working with them in future.

Cllr Zafar Ali said he wholeheartedly supported the police's actions and asked for the current momentum to be maintained.

"I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of the police, the MP's office and everyone else who has been involved with the campaign," he said.

"I don't believe we can wipe drugs out entirely, but what can be done is to stop it being a menace to the community at large.

"What I'd like to see are the biggest drugs crooks, who prey on vulnerable youngsters, also caught and dealt with because these people are still at large.

"So long as they are at large this success can only be temporary, because new people will take the places of those who've been arrested."

The councillors' words were echoed by Naz Kazmi, who is manager of Keighley Association for Women and Children’s Centre.

"Everyone in the community is talking about what a great job the police have done," she said. "It was about time something was done."