CITY centre business owners have urged Bradford Council to rethink the rules on roller shutters after suffering yet more mindless damage.

Jamil Ashraf, of Big Shotter Fireworks on Darley Street, and Arif Mehmood, of Smorgasbord Coffee Bar, have spoken of their anger after windows were recently smashed at both their businesses.

CCTV footage captured on Rawson Place shows the latest attack on Smorgasbord, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning.

A hooded figure can be seen wielding a huge brick before launching it at the window.

It’s another kick in the teeth for Mr Mehmood, who has fought tirelessly for the right to have roller shutters on his business.

The latest attack comes only weeks after an application for shutters at the business was turned down.

Mr Mehmood said he felt “very very frustrated” at the situation.

“They don’t listen. This is the thirteenth time now. It’s a message to Bradford Council - is it aesthetics or protecting businesses, because we feel very, very frustrated. It’s the same repetition, it’s not going to go away. If they are going to bury their heads in the sand, it’s going to happen again and again.”

He’s raised concern that the culprits are not brought to justice. The CPS said the police make charging decisions in most instances, where the crime is less serious.

West Yorkshire Police said three people were arrested in relation to a burglary back in November 2018, but were later released due to insufficient evidence.

“Investigations are continuing into the most recent incidents and these have been referred to our crime prevention officers to offer further support and advice,” said the spokesperson.

“We are also appealing to anyone who can assist with information on the incidents on February 3 to contact police on 101, use the options on the West Yorkshire Police website or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

Despite the aggravation, Mr Mehmood has been heartened by the support he received following the last T&A article which put the issue in the spotlight.

Mr Ashraf’s business was targeted in the early hours of Monday and a few days earlier on January 29. He’s also faced problems with people urinating and leaving a mess in his doorway.

“I’m upset thinking ‘is it going to happen again?’ he said.

“I’m angry. The Council could do something - how many shops do they want to close?”

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “We understand damage to shop windows is upsetting for businesses. Unfortunately, this can happen in any city centre.

“Like most cities across the UK, Bradford has a policy of strongly discouraging external solid roller shutters on city centre shop frontages. This is especially the case on listed buildings and in conservation areas. This policy was developed with the support of West Yorkshire Police.Roller shutters create poor lighting and their appearance can discourage people visiting areas at night and in turn actually encourage anti-social behaviour.

“Internal shutters, laminated or strengthened glass, robust alarm systems and keeping valuables out of sight are known to be effective security measures and don’t require planning permission.”

They added: “The Smorgasbord cafe is a listed building and, along with Big Shotter Fireworks, is within a conservation area. It’s highly unlikely any local authority would allow external solid roller shutters within these contexts. Big Shotter Fireworks received planning permission in July 2017 to remove the recess from their doorway which would improve security by removing hiding space at night. This application included plans for internal roller shutters to improve shop security. To date these works have not been done and the application will expire in five months if the work is not undertaken.

“Both businesses have been liaising with our heritage teams to discuss Townscape Heritage Scheme funding. Smorgasbord had a Stage One application approved that will improve security to the rear of the property which has been targeted in the past.”

They said planning and conservation officers, along with police, are happy to work with both to help them improve security in ways that don’t negatively impact the buildings.