Anti-social behaviour on the 'decline' at City Ward hotspots

For spring and summer, West Yorkshire Police outlined a number of problems and policing priorities for the City Ward.

The ASB hotspots are Tyrrel Square, Bradford Interchange and the McDonalds on Kirkgate.

City Ward Councillor Nazam Azam (Labour) has noticed "significant improvements" at all three locations.

"I have seen a real decline in the anti-social behaviour that was taking place," he said.

"To eradicate ASB is a priority for the police, so it shows how seriously they are taking this.

"It is important that we get the right perception out there.

"There are issues in the city centre however generally speaking they are minute in the context of the number of people from the district visiting our city centre. 

"Let me be clear, one incident is one too many but you are talking about tens of thousands of people who come into our city centre and do not experience any ASB."

Police say there have been a number of "historical issues" at Tyrrel Square relating to ASB.

Groups are gathering and engaging in the misuse of alcohol and other illicit substances.

City Ward Councillor Nazam Azam (Image: Bradford Council)

Cllr Azam added: "We cannot pinpoint a single reason why ASB happens here.

"It is a combination of things. The ease of access means people are finding it a convenient place to meet.

"With the increase in footfall around that area which we have seen, and all the developments taking place, I'm sure that area will continue to improve.

"We have had meetings with the police who have been really proactive."

Youths congregating and causing trouble seems to be the biggest issue at Bradford Interchange and the McDonalds on Kirkgate.

Commenting on those two locations, Cllr Azam said: "The work has been gradual but there have definitely been improvements from what I have seen and what other people have said."

The full City Neighbourhood Policing Team priorities are as follows:

• Tyrrel Square (Junction of Ivegate and Tyrel St). There have been a number of historical issues at this location relating to ASB. In recent months, it has been identified that the frequency of ASB has increased specifically with respect to groups gathering and engaging in the misuse of alcohol and other illicit substances. Alongside tackling the behaviour of individuals, the City Neighbourhoods team are looking at the environmental design challenges at this location. Working in partnership with the council, crime prevention, Bradford BID, Outreach services and the neighbourhood support teams, we plan to tackle the issues from a variety of directions.
• Fast Food Restaurant, Kirkgate. The neighbourhood team are working closely with the operators of the restaurant with regard to large groups of youths gathering both inside and around the premises. Over several weeks, the premises has become a very popular location for young adults to meet others, travelling from areas across the Bradford district. Such large groups can be intimidating and cause a nuisance to others in the city centre and also be difficult for the staff to effectively manage. We are exploring a number of possible solutions and control measures with the management team to reduce the negative impact on the groups.
• Bradford Interchange. Bradford Interchange is the main transport hub within the district, hosting both buses and the local rail service. Alongside those passing through on their daily commute for work or school, it is also the main gateway for large numbers of youths into the city centre for leisure, particularly in the evenings. There are longstanding ASB issues at the station where youths gather for long periods of time as they arrive in the city and again prior to leaving. As the weather improves, evenings are lighter and Covid restrictions are now largely behind us, numbers have steadily increased in the city centre and this has led to an increase in the frequency of issues relating to ASB. City Neighbourhoods are working closely with the security team and our partners in youths services to identify those at the station who frequently behave badly and direct them through the ASB process. Utilising both diversion pathways and where necessary, prosecution when individuals will not engage.