A WOMAN has called for the regeneration of an area on the border of Bradford and Leeds which has been plagued by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Claire Seacroft, of Thornbury, frustrated by a recent incident of fly-tipping and ongoing anti-social behaviour on Woodhall Road, Thornbury, is calling for houses to be built on land which she believes will regenerate the area.
The area she is talking about is on the border of Bradford and Leeds and is near Thornbury Industrial Park, on Woodhall Road, which is accessed from Gain Lane by Leeds Road.
She said: “I am extremely frustrated about the apocalyptic situation in a part of Bradford where I usually walk my dog.
“The final straw was when piles of rubble and junk were dumped by fly-tippers last week.
“However, this is just the beginning of the problem, as it represents a complete degradation of the area in question.”
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent, large fly tip of breeze blocks, tarpaulin and horse manure at the side of Woodhall Lane, Thornbury.
“Leeds City Council enforcement officers work closely with their Bradford Council counterparts on cross border cases such as this and a joint visit took place to look for evidence ahead of its removal today (February 5) for which we are grateful to the local housing developer for accommodating.
“Where evidence is found in relation to the incident, we will not hesitate to take action which could result in custodial sentences and/or the seizure and crushing of vehicles where appropriate.
“If anyone has any information in regards the incident that they can share to help with our investigation, you can contact the Serious Environmental Crime Team by email at sect@leeds.gov.uk”.
But Ms Seacroft reflected on the fly-tipping and other problems in the area.
She said: “I have lived in Thornbury for almost 50 years, and as a regular dog walker, I have witnessed a lot.
“Looking back to the 1980s, I have vivid memories of the rampant fly-tipping and abandoned cars that plagued this area. Unfortunately, this problem persisted through the 1990s and 2000s.
“The only significant improvement occurred when Woodhall Industrial Park and Morrisons Headquarters were constructed, effectively resolving a portion of the location that was in a serious mess. This marked a regeneration of the area.
“However, the remaining parts are now in desperate need of revitalisation, especially with a focus on providing affordable housing.
“Without addressing this issue, we have a situation where people are deprived of accessible housing while also having to endure areas of no amenity value that only serve as a blight on this area and will gradually worsen.
“As well as fly-tippers, there are other concerning issues in that area. Motorbikes and cars speeding around Woodhall Road, nitrous gas abuse and even incidents of youths pointing fireworks across the broken fences over the heads of horses.
“There was also a distressing incident where children chased sheep until they broke free onto Gain Lane.
“Let's not forget the rampage of 4x4 bikes driven in convoy that tear up any available area, causing damage to the terrain before disappearing into the night.”
A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Police confirmed: “The area does border Bradford South and Bradford Moor ward and it has been identified as an issue with off road bikes.”
Ms Seacroft added: “As long as the area remains in its current state, the problems will persist. We require a regeneration effort.
“I think it’s important also for us to recognise the ongoing effort needed to clean up the dumped rubbish in this area, over and over again at great cost.
“Some may have a distorted view and overlook the significant amount of public funds spent on waste removal there.
“We owe it to the next generation to get on with regeneration efforts in areas like this, incorporating affordable housing into the plan. By doing so, we can address both issues simultaneously.
“Areas like this need to be regenerated to put an end to this nonsense. I believe that housing development is the best way forward.
“It would stop the area looking like a tip, bring money in for local businesses, get people on the housing ladder.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel