A BRADFORD resident says his street is getting a “bad name” due to it being used as a “rat run” by people trying to evade the police.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, lives on Chapel Street, Eccleshill, and says the area has become like “no-man’s land”.

He claims Bradford Council placed several “large rocks” at one end of the street in order to stop it being used as a shortcut, but a group of quad bikers recently moved them.

After local residents confronted them - “politely”, he says - the quad bikers “hit the residents and smashed a car”.

He now wants more community policing in the area, and says the bottom of Chapel Street “needs blocking off completely with bollards” or “needs to be opened up to Harrogate Road, like it was before”.

“A lot of kids play or walk to school here. If cars are being chased by police and come at those speeds, someone will get killed”, he says.

“If someone is killed, I think the Council will start to listen. I believe the Council has neglected our area.

“Quad bikers use the street as a getaway from police. They wear balaclavas and have no number plates, so the police can’t do anything.

“It’s ridiculous. It’s at a point where we need a police car here permanently, but I can’t remember the last time I saw a local bobby around.

“People say why don’t you move if you’re not happy, but this is home and there are great people on this street.”

Commenting on the incident where the man says that residents were assaulted, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident of assault and criminal damage.

“Bradford District Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed or has mobile phone or CCTV footage of an incident on Chapel Street on Friday, 14 January.

“It took place between 2.39pm and 2.42pm after four suspects were verbally abusive to a man who had confronted them after witnessing an anti-social behaviour incident.

“The male was assaulted by one of the suspects, who also damaged his car rear window and a window at his home.

“The suspects then made off on quad bikes.

“Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, referencing crime number 13220022992.

“Information can also be given at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Bradford Council was contacted for comment, but did not respond before deadline.