West Leeds: Survey reveals scale of problems on Armley Town Street

Leeds West Labour MP Rachel Reeves launched the survey of residents in the summer as part of the Armley Town Street Revival plan.

A public meeting will be held at Armley Library on Stocks Hill at 5pm tomorrow to discuss the survey results.

Of the 648 people asked if they had witnessed criminal activity on Town Street, a total of 47 per cent said they had. And 72 per cent said anti-social behaviour is one of the main problems on Town Street.

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Meanwhile, one elderly resident who lives in nearby flats, which overlook Town Street, has said pensioners living there have to contend with drug dealing and groups of men shouting and swearing in the early hours.

The woman, who doesn’t want to identified, said: “It is very rare that we have a day without anti-social behaviour.”

A Leeds City Council spokesman said yesterday: “We are aware of issues of anti-social behaviour at the flats and Armley Town Street and we are working to tackle the problems, including taking enforcement action through the courts with five injunctions approved today. It is unacceptable for residents to have to suffer because of this behaviour and we will continue to work with residents to address their concerns.”

Insp Simon Jessup of Leeds police, said: “We remain determined to do everything we can alongside our partner agencies to tackle the issues related to street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Armley Town Street.”

Ms Reeves said: “Anti-Social Behaviour is the main concern affecting Town Street and we now need to come together and develop a positive strategy in order to tackle problems like street drinking and fighting.”