A walkway in Bradford city centre that has been blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour looks set to be closed off to the public.

The alleyway, which leads from Hall Ings between the Bradford Hotel and NCP car park to Bradford Interchange station, has been made the subject of a Public Footpath (Extinguishment) Order by Bradford Council.

The move has come due to high levels of anti-social and illegal activities taking place in the walkway.

Bradford Council said the decision to close the stairs has had unanimous backing from all parties concerned.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “There is a proposal to close the steps and walkway leading from Hall Ings to Bradford Interchange.

“The proposal has the support of West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, Bradford Interchange and the Bradford Hotel and is due to anti-social behaviour taking place in the walkway.

“People can have their say on the proposal until Friday, 23 February.”

The stairs have a magnet for anti-social and criminal behaviour in recent years, including graffiti, drug taking and other activities.

In 2015, a 39-year-old man was left hospitalised with a head injury after being attacked in the walkway by a man, leading to the walkway being cordoned off by police.

A year earlier, firefighters were called to the walkway after a pile of rubbish was set on fire.

Firefighters said the blaze, which had been deliberately started, led to smoke getting into the nearby hotel.

A spokesperson for the Bradford Hotel said it supports the Council’s decision to close the walkway, describing it as an eyesore that doesn’t reflect well on the city.

The entrance to the hotel’s wedding and events venue, The Bronte Suite, is directly next to walkway.

The walkway itself is dimly lit, with a large amount of graffiti adorning the walls of the staircase, as well as some litter.

Notices are currently on display outside the walkway to make people aware of the plan.

The walkway has been open since December 1977 and is 64 metres long and four metres wide at its entrance.

Any representations or objections to the closure should be emailed to legalobjections@bradford.gov.uk or sent to City Solicitor, Bradford Council, Corporate Services, City Hal, BD1 1HY, quoting the reference CORP/PCD/CEB/73987, before Friday, February 23.