MEASURES to stop major problems with anti-social behaviour at Ilkley’s riverside “are not adequately enforced” and lack resources.

The problems faced at the beauty spot, particularly when temperatures soar, are well-documented.

Hundreds of people flocked to the town this summer as the district sizzled under the sun in some of the hottest weather seen in years.

Visitors swarmed the River Wharfe with inflatables, rubber rings and paddling pools, while several people were seen ‘tombstoning’ from the suspension bridge.

And volunteers had to wade through beer cans, broken bottles and barbecues during a major clean-up.

At the time, Edward Duguid, Chairman of the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Group, said the beaches were “wall to wall” with litter.

“There are two big signs to say you’re not allowed them – but they just ignore them and you see them barbecuing under the sign,” he said.

Councillor Andrew Loy (Con, Ilkley) described the situation as “hugely frustrating” and added: “I have been in touch with council officers and will continue to push until sufficient resources are committed to clearing the litter and addressing antisocial behaviour.”

At a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday, he will move a motion on the issues faced at the riverside. 

To be seconded by Councillor Kyle Green (Con, Ilkley), the motion says: “Ilkley’s riverside is an attractive location and a desirable destination for visitors from across the district and further afield.

“Consequently, Ilkley’s riverside is an important asset for the entire district.

“Visitors and the attitude and actions of some of them can cause acute problems, including littering and anti-social behaviour.

“There is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and a Hot Weather Plan in place, which in theory are sensible measures which should address these problems.”

It adds: “In practice, the PSPO and Hot Weather Plan are not adequately enforced and suffer from a lack of resources.”

The motion asks the Council to resolve to “commend the efforts of volunteers in helping to address the problems at Ilkley’s riverside” and to “recognise that, as one of the district’s most important assets, Ilkley’s riverside requires sufficient attention and resources to ensure it retains its reputation as an attractive visitor destination”.

The motion also calls for Bradford Council to “commit sufficient resources to provide additional PSPO wardens and litter picking” and to work with police to take a “more proactive” approach to enforcing the PSPO and Hot Weather Plan.