MORE must be done to tackle the "scourge" of anti-social behaviour in Keighley town centre.

That's the message from the town's mayor, Councillor John Kirby, following the latest in a series of incidents.

Police imposed a special measure known as a dispersal order in a bid to quell problems around the bus station area last week.

Officers said the 48-hour order had been implemented after "multiple" reports of anti-social behaviour and violence.

It covered an area bordered by Hanover Street, Cavendish Street, North Street and the Airedale Shopping Centre.

Dispersal orders give police the power to disperse anyone suspected of causing or contributing to anti-social behaviour, and to seize items.

The latest incidents come just months after reports of people being intimated and attacked in the same part of the town.

Inspector John Barker, of Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, says: "Youths continue to cause a nuisance in and around the bus station, and this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The dispersal order – which falls under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act – is something that's constantly reviewed.

"We hope that using this power will reduce the likelihood of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed, and prevent further crime and disorder."

Cllr Kirby welcomes the action, but says a long-term solution is needed.

He adds: "It is right that the police do everything they can to tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour in our town centre, which should feel like a welcoming and safe place to be at all times – during the day and evening.

"More must be done to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour in the town centre; we need to find a solution once and for all.

"We cannot allow a minority of people to spoil the area for the majority."

Following problems last year – which included physical attacks on bus company staff and a security guard – Cllr Kirby arranged a meeting with West Yorkshire's deputy mayor for policing and crime, Alison Lowe.

The regional combined authority said tackling anti-social behaviour was at the centre of the West Yorkshire mayor's Police and Crime Plan.

West Yorkshire Police ask anyone with information about those involved in the latest incidents to contact Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or go to westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat