Authority seeks ways to cut crime in city alley

BRADFORD Council says it is “looking at options” to deal with concerns about an area of the city centre linked to anti-social behaviour.

Last month, West Yorkshire Police revealed that the Ivegate area was one of its main priorities in the city centre. They referred to an alley on the street that has developed a reputation for drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The problem, which is unrelated to the neighbouring Drum Winder pub, has seen police make numerous arrests.

The force’s recently published priorities for the area said: “This location has seen an increase in nuisance caused by street drinkers and youths to use.

“We are working with the council to make some small changes to the street furniture that we think will reduce the issue and make the area more conducive to use by shoppers.”

It said there would also be more mounted police patrols in the future.

In 2021 police had suggested the alley, which links Ivegate to New Market Place, could be closed off to the public to cut crime. But there was a backlash to the scheme, with concerns over blocking off a public street.

The police’s most recent priority report said the planned gate would have “significantly reduced drug dealing and we are working with the council to revisit this approach”.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “As part of the Safer Bradford partnership, we are continually working with the police to find solutions to making our city centre safer.

“In terms of Ivegate alley, we are looking at options to resolve this issue which will work to both reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and are agreeable to the local business community.”

Ivegate is one of the oldest streets in the city, and has recently seen a resurgence in the number of pubs and bars opening.