Vandalism, arson attacks and drug dealing plaguing West Yorkshire estate

Birstall ward councillors are at the centre of a crackdown on antisocial activity in Howden Clough, with measures stepped up to combat vandalism, arson assaults, and drug peddling.

Last week, Cllrs Sheard and Smaje (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw) met with West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Fire Brigade to discuss significant concerns about continuous antisocial behavior near the Leeds Road playing fields.
Councillor Sheard described some of the incidents that have occurred, including the setting fire to changing facilities on the football pitch and the breaking down of walls with bricks hurled at cars. A children’s park has also been vandalised, with waste scattered about and set alight, as well as drug use and dealing, according to the councillor.

The community has had enough, and significant progress is being made to address antisocial activity in the region, including the development of an action plan. A new committee, the Howden Clough Safety Partnership Committee, is also being formed to allow residents to meet with councillors and relevant organisations to discuss problems, develop solutions, and receive updates.
Councillor Sheard noted that this is just one step in a multifaceted approach to tackling the problem. He stated: “In the following weeks/months, councillors for Birstall and Birkenshaw will be working in coordination with the above stakeholders [West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire Brigade] to

• Establish the Howden Clough Safety Partnership Committee: This will allow residents to attend meetings with councillors, police officers, fire brigade and Kirklees’s community officers to express concerns and then charter away forward along with updates from key services on how we are tackling this issue.
• Greater Police Presence: WYP will establish further patrols in the area both in vehicles and on foot monitoring hotspots.
• Engagement: In partnership with safer Kirklees community officers will regularly speak to residents and conduct community walkabouts monitoring for signs of ASB. West Yorkshire fire brigade will also conduct fire safety and engagement days with local youths and schools.
• Enforcement: Along with greater policing presence, enquiries for greater CCTV in the area are ongoing to catch criminals vandalising and committing arson attacks. Under aged selling of alcohol, tobacco and vapes by local businesses will now also be closely monitored and the law enforced.

“As councillors, Liz Smaje and Mark Thompson will maintain communication with appropriate officers and coordinators to ensure that the action plan is implemented and that clear success metrics are fulfilled. This is a cross-border plan that will involve police, the fire bridge, the Leeds Council district, and Morley schools. Further details on the safety alliance will be disclosed in due future.”