Police and Council chiefs are enforcing old by-laws to clamp down on young nuisance skateboarders who have been disrupting the peace of people using a showpiece public space in Bradford city centre.

Fed-up members of the public have made a string of complaints after being barged into and ridden at in Centenary Square.

A council by-law, introduced in 1998, prevents skateboarding, and similar activities, from certain areas of Bradford city centre, including Centenary Square and City Park.

Police confirmed they have received a number of complaints from the public about the behaviour of those using skateboards in Centenary Square, and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team is working with partner agencies to address the concerns raised.

The issues mainly surround intimidation, either through people being knocked into, or skated at.

Businesses and shoppers have also raised concerns about groups of between ten and 30 youths gathering in the square.

Inspector Vicky Lawrance, of the City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are currently dealing with a number of individuals who use the pedestrianised area of Centenary Square in Bradford to practice activities such as skateboarding.

"It is of particular concern when they present a danger to members of the public, potentially causing injury to themselves and others.

"On occasion, it can extend to a level of anti-social behaviour, involving intimidation or abuse.

“The city centre environment is there for everybody to enjoy and we will not tolerate those who threaten to spoil this for its visitors.

“We continue to conduct visible and focused patrols, working alongside our partners to resolve these issues through diversionary activities, as well as the possible use of alternative venues.”

Coun Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: “Centenary Square and City Park are there for everybody to enjoy, but people have to treat each other with mutual respect.

“However, if they don’t, then we fully support the police in enforcing bylaws which are there to protect people from anti-social behaviour.”