Anti-social behaviour on the district's rail network has been slashed.

Incidents in the British Transport Police (BTP) Bradford neighbourhood policing area, which includes the Airedale line, have fallen by more than 40 per cent.

In the period between April 2006 and January 2007 there were 59 recorded incidents, compared to 101 in the corresponding ten months the previous year.

Across all key routes in the Leeds and Bradford areas there was an 18 per cent drop.

The BTP neighbourhood policing teams - each comprising one inspector, two sergeants, five constables and 12 police community support officers - patrol trains, stations and platforms, and work with local communities.

Spokesman Insp Brian Buddo said: "The key to neighbourhood policing teams is listening to members of the local community and working with them to develop tailor-made solutions for their local policing needs. "Anti-social behaviour has been raised as an issue, so high on our agenda is reassuring passengers and rail staff by reducing such behaviour and other low-level disorder that contribute to the fear of crime.

"We hope to drive down the figures further."

Officers work closely with other organisations and agencies, including the county's passenger transport executive, rail operators, the regular police and local residents' groups.

Also, a website - teachingzone.org/btpnorth - has been set up providing information for the public and community groups and resources for teachers.