POLICE and Council wardens will be increasing patrols in the 'top of town' area of the city centre after complaints from local businesses.

For years businesses, residents and shoppers in the city centre have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, street drinking and drug issues in some areas, particularly Oastler Square and John Street.

And with many top of town businesses due to re-open next month, some of which will have new outdoor seating areas, measures to tackle the problem are being ramped up.

West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council will provide an enhanced presence in the area to "challenge the behaviour of a small minority of people whose behaviours are often intimidating for some visitors to the area."

The Council will be increasing the times in which it’s ‘Public Space Protection Order’ officers patrol the area – covering evenings and weekends. The PSPO allows council officers to confiscate alcohol from street drinkers.

The city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be adding policing resourcing to increase the level of patrols that take place in the area.

And ‘Safer Bradford’, the District’s Community Safety Partnership will also fund a support worker to engage those with the most "entrenched needs" around mental health, substance misuse and physical health. This will include making sure that people with complex needs have the opportunity of a settled home, positive health and well-being, access to education and employment and trust in local agencies.

Residents have their say on how to improve 'top of town'

In a recent consultation on what could be done to improve the top of town area, numerous members of the public highlighted anti social behaviour as one of the biggest issues. Suggestions to improve the area included better lighting, CCTV and more regular police patrols.

Jonny Noble, Bradford BID manager said: “We receive regular contact from businesses in the Top of Town area complaining about anti-social behaviour and street drinking, in particular, so we welcome these increased measures and the extra attention focused on this area.

“We know that many of those responsible for anti-social behaviour have complex needs so the multi-agency partnership approach is essential to ensure they can access all available support, which will also help to tackle the behaviour in the longer term.

"However, this must not be at the expense of making the area feel safer and more welcoming for all members of the public at all times.”

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Executive for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at Bradford Council said: "It is pleasing that agencies are working together and combining an enforcement approach with a support function offering potential offenders the chance to access programmes that provide greater and more positive life choices.’

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport added: “Early feedback from the Top of Town Public Realm Improvement Project has confirmed the issue as one of the priorities for people so I’m pleased we’ve been able to bring this partnership forward.

"This combined approach will certainly help create a better environment in the area and a much needed boost as we re-open the high street.”

Sergeant Matt Silcock, of Bradford City NPT, said: “We are very much aware of the issues that a minority of individuals have been causing in areas of the city and the impact this is having on the community. The behaviour of certain individuals can cause anti-social and intimidating behaviour is not something any of us want to see and officers have been directed to take positive action when offences occur.

“In recent weeks we have been providing a high visibility presence at the top of the city to disperse people gathering and dealt with any offences reported. We arrested and charged an individual who was found in possession of drugs and he is now prohibited from entering the city.

“We recognise that enforcement action alone cannot address the issues and we continue to work closely alongside partner agencies to find longer-term solutions. We remain firmly committed to doing everything we can do to improve the city centre for residents and people visiting Bradford.”

Anyone who has any concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area, or any other information is urged to contact your local NPT team via 101 or through the LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.