Police have stepped up patrols across the Wibsey area in the wake of the “horrendous” armed robbery and stabbing earlier this week.

The incident – which left a teenager with serious injuries – has sparked conversations about Wibsey Park’s safety and fears for the future.

One resident said: “A little bit of reassurance would be nice about what is being done in light of this and what extra precautions are being taken.”

Gareth Gregory, who stood as a prospective councillor in May’s local elections, said some residents feel their worries and fears are being ignored by councillors and neighbourhood police teams.

Bradford Council's Bradford South Area Committee previously reported a rise in the number of robberies of delivery drivers; anti-social quad bike riding across the whole constituency and a "sharp increase" in thefts from cars in the Wibsey, Royds and Wyke wards.

Meanwhile inconsiderate parking and speeding have been long-standing issues in the area.

Mr Gregory said the community had not had much contact with police since the departure of the popular and former PCSO Ben Leahy, who was on the beat for 10 years.

Gareth, who also helps run the Wibsey Business and Community page on Facebook, claimed: “There’s so much anger within Wibsey that our councillors are never anywhere to be seen apart from election time.

“I don’t go to Wibsey Park anymore. It’s a ‘no go’ area.

“I’m far from anti-police, I’m very pro police but we don’t have any communications with the police in Wibsey. They’re never seen. It must be difficult for them, the amount of cuts to the police. The fact we’ve lost Ben, that was a big loss.”

He added: “Wibsey is descending rapidly.”

Speaking to the T&A, former PCSO Ben said: “The area itself is a really nice area. Every area has their own issues don’t they? It’s nothing out the norm.

“They feel a bit let down at the moment.

“I’d say, just keep reporting it because the more the police have been made aware of the issues in the area, it gives them a better and bigger picture of the issues that are ongoing.”

Responding to the criticism, Cllr Ralph Berry (Wibsey, Labour) said: “We had a well-attended surgery [on] Saturday and we get regular reports from the police on local crime and have consistently argued for more long term committed local neighbourhood policing. The police usually share the surgery with us.

“The idea people only see councillors at election time is simply not true we have all been out across the week, hold surgeries go to events and do casework but not played out on one of the Facebook forums.

“The park has seen massive improvements, which is why we all go litter picking there and the surgeries are held in the park. We are working with the Community Garden to help them access more support. It’s a walk through route and some work is needed on safety and confidence in the evenings. The park is improving and now hosts more events but we have real social challenges that move between locations in Wibsey and beyond.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Picture: T&A.Picture: T&A.

Cllr David Green (Wibsey, Labour) added: “We act as a conduit for hundreds of people in Wibsey to ensure that their concerns are addressed by the appropriate body - be that police, council or any other public body.

“There is an ongoing concern about the rise in criminal activity in throughout Wibsey and we have worked with the police to address these concerns. We also know that the police and our wardens are regularly contacted by the public raising concerns.

“The stabbing was an horrendous crime and out thoughts are with the victim and his family. A crime of this magnitude is rare in Wibsey Park or in Wibsey itself. Such an crime understandably causes concerns for local people and the police have put resources into the area to try and provide reassurance, as well as working to catch the perpetrator.”

Sergeant Daniel Stoker of Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the Wibsey area after the armed robbery on Monday.

“The engagement van is regularly at Wibsey Park and the local PCSOs patrol the area daily.

“I would continue to appeal to the local community to report crime and any concerns they may have in the Bradford South area to the Police.”