Two years ago residents in the Bolton Road area of Bradford joined forces to oppose plans for a bail hostel, fearing that it would bring an undesirable element to the community. Their campaign proved to be successful and the hostel scheme never got off the ground.

Now we learn that the Council is in talks again with West Yorkshire Probation Service to identify another site for a bail hostel. No decision has yet been made but it seems that one of the sites under consideration is on land off Canal Road near Dickinson's Caravans.

Once more the prospect of a bail hostel has drawn the attention of residents and councillors who have raised concerns about the possible plans.

Councillor Phil Thornton believes the site would pose problems for the area which he points out is 'densely populated'. It needs to be built well away from any residential properties, he tells us. The councillor's fears are understandable, albeit a little premature given that no site has yet been definitely earmarked.

When a site is finally found, let us hope the Council and probation service show as much empathy as they can muster to take into account the feelings of local residents.

The Council's task, of course, is not an easy one. Bail hostels are a necessary facility, and it's very difficult to come up with a location that doesn't in some way offend someone.

The best that can be hoped for is that a reasonably sensible site can be found which the local community will accept and live with.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.