Ilkley's charm is being damaged by arsonists and anti-social behaviour, businessman warns

Graphic designer Thomas Harvey said residents are fed up with the anti-social behaviour which is happening in Ilkley every summer. .

Hundreds of people flouted social distancing rules and swamped the Ilkley riverside last weekend, leaving behind what local people described as “obscene” piles of litter.

Mr Harvey said: “We are well used to the influx of people to Ilkley during the summer months but the negative aspects seem to get worse every year.”

He added: “The council should be held responsible for not providing adequate commercial-sized bins in these locations, and having a presence to ensure they’re used, and the police should be present in sufficient numbers to control some of the abusive drunken behaviour that goes on, let alone intervene with the blatant drug use, and boy racers.

“Last year we had multiple cases of arson. We see big fights at the May Day carnival and we have gangs of quad bikes doing laps of the town in the evening.

“The longer this is allowed to go on, the more things seem to escalate. People come to Ilkley knowing that it’s a soft touch. The park, the riverside, the Cow and Calf, are being completely spoilt for the majority of decent folk.

“Sadly, despite the same promises every year, nothing is done and the town’s image is being spoilt, families are put off visiting and residents are left to suffer and clear up. It’s hugely unfair to those who live here. They now dread the summer season where they’re left to fend for themselves. I’ve even heard people say they’ve considered moving away from the area for the lack of action.

“One could only imagine that people – particularly families with young children – may be put off from coming here when they see things like this reported in the news.

“Ultimately, Ilkley’s charm and reputation is built around the fact it’s a traditional, genteel spa town. If that’s lost then it will completely change the dynamic of the place.

“The town’s wealth and tourism is a valuable asset to Bradford, and Yorkshire as a whole, and ultimately all we’re asking for is that laws are followed and enforced.”

Chief inspector Steve Greenbank, of Bradford Police, said officers have been working with partners over the last year to plan for the 2020 season in Ikley.

He said: “As in previous years, we do have a policing plan in place for the summer based around deploying appropriate resources at key times in areas which are often busy with visitors.

“The last weekend saw us mount a number of extra patrols in busy locations. Despite the large volume of people present, we continuously adopted the policy of engaging, explaining and encouraging the public to comply with the Covid-19 regulations.

“There were no serious incidents of disorder, violence or theft and the incidents of anti-social behaviour which did take place were dealt with promptly.

“A new traffic management plan was put in place on Sunday and 30 fixed penalty tickets were issued across two sites in Ilkley for obstruction offences over the weekend.

“Officers work closely with the town council and licensing authorities to provide appropriate policing support to the night-time economy in normal times, and will continue to do so when the hospitality industry eventually re-opens. We remain committed to continuously working with our partners to look at long-term solutions.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “Ilkley is an attractive tourist destination which is very popular with visitors, especially in the summer months.

“The recent easing of Coronavirus (Covid 19) lockdown restrictions coupled with excellent weather at the weekend led to an increased number of people travelling to all tourist destinations, including Ilkley.

“Our Neighbourhood office staff have been working with partners including the police, highway services, The Environment Agency, Lido management, town and district councillors and the Friends of Ilkley’s Riverside Gardens for a number of years to help to manage the influx of visitors.

“The recent restrictions resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic have added to the complications.

“We have a traffic plan in place as well as increased bin capacity and have placed signs in the area asking people to behave responsibly and take their litter home.

“We have also put in plans to make sure that the most popular areas such as the river bank are cleaned up as soon as possible after weekends.”

“As with any large crowds there will always be an element who will behave inconsiderately and fail to observe the rules designed to keep everyone safe, but we will continue to work with all agencies to try and keep problems to a minimum. We will keep local and district councillors fully informed.”

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