PEOPLE of Bradford have been sharing their thoughts on anti-social behaviour in the city centre - as police step up efforts to crack down on the problem.
A dispersal order was in place in the city centre between Wednesday and Saturday last week after multiple reports of yobbish behaviour and an assault on a PCSO.
Police said they had been receiving reports of groups of youths gathering in the Broadway and City Park areas and causing a nuisance.
And a 16-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing a police officer - after a PCSO was attacked last Wednesday night.
The teenager was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
A number of people were arrested while the dispersal order was in force.
This latest order came after one was introduced in the city centre over a 12-hour period earlier in the month due to concerns about groups of people hanging around outside bars on Ivegate and Westgate.
You share your views
On the Telegraph and Argus' Facebook page, we asked people to share their views on anti-social behaviour in Bradford city centre - and many concerns were raised.
Suzie Manley said: "I've not been into Bradford city centre for years.
"I used to love moseying around the shops and popping in a cafe for a coffee but now it's just not worth it.
"Too many youths hanging around. It's very intimidating."
Gail Lockwood commented: "I no longer go to Bradford - people begging and being aggressive if you don't give them money, youths arguing.
"Not a safe place to go any more."
Tanna Logire added: "Bradford needs more policing."
Jon G Richelieu-Booth said: "I won't walk through Bradford now because it's not worth the risk."
Wayne Lovatt said "the police do the best they can with what they have" - but he argued "they don't command respect" anymore.
But a number of people provided
James Murray said the issue was being "overblown" and added: "I go into town multiple times a week. I've only seen the police attend to one fight.
"In a city of half a million, you are going to get anti-social behaviour.
"The vast majority of the time Bradford is fine."
Gemma Ellis said: "Not just Bradford, it's everywhere unfortunately."
Carrie Howlter commented: "I go into Bradford regularly, including evenings, and to be honest I haven't seen much anti-social behaviour.
"I feel as safe walking round Bradford on a dark evening (including round Little Germany) as I do anywhere else.
"In fact, I feel less safe in Leeds when I've had a night out there after work.
"People saying it's worse in Bradford than anywhere else clearly don't leave their houses often."
Despite the problems, many people recognise there are plenty of wonderful things about Bradford - as the T&A highlighted recently.
Police and council comment
Last week's dispersal order gave police the right to move on anyone suspected of being involved in crime.
A West Yorkshire Police said 11 arrests were made while it was in place.
They added that anti-social behaviour was down in Bradford city centre - in 2017, there was 972 reports of it while last year there were 375 reports to police.
Inspector Richard Baildon, of West Yorkshire Police, said last week: "Youths continue to cause a nuisance in the city centre - and this behaviour will not be tolerated.
"The dispersal order is constantly reviewed.
"We hope using the power will reduce the likelihood of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed, and to prevent further crime and disorder."
A Bradford Council spokesperson added: "We work in close partnership with the police to deal with anti-social behaviour.
"We want to make sure Bradford city centre and the district as a whole is a safe and welcoming place for people, whether they are visiting, shopping, working or living in the area."
Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact the Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.
Alternatively, use the live chat facility on West Yorkshire Police's website via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
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