Public get contact point for policing

Staffed almost entirely by members of the Oakenshaw Residents’ Association and police volunteers, the contact point will also offer advice on crime prevention and help with keeping the area clean and graffiti-free.

Bradford Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens and Police Community Support Officers will also be available at the contact point from time to time.

David Rhodes, Chairman of Oakenshaw Residents’ Association, said: “Our members are delighted to be opening our contact point. We are very active in our local area and our work shows what can be done when local people get together to improve their local communities.

“We are very proud of Oakenshaw and encourage local people to make use of the contact point and other local facilities such as Toad Holes Beck and our beautiful park which has undergone improvements recently.”

Steve Hartley, Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods for Bradford Council said: “The Oakenshaw Residents’ Association are a fantastic example of active citizens.

“We believe the contact point will be very useful for local residents and offer a friendly helpful service from local people who have an excellent understanding of the area.”

Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Pam Mills said: “The contact point will be essentially run by the community for the community and will provide us with a base in the heart of the neighbourhood.

“Residents have told us that they would like somewhere to easily report any issues and thanks to the help of volunteers we have been able to achieve this. We are determined to be as accessible as possible and to keep people informed on how we are policing their area.”