A Bilton resident has passionately defended the area following reports of anti-social behaviour and crime.
Dani Paizis was hurt to read articles in the Stray Ferret that she believes unfairly tarnished the whole of the Harrogate suburb.
One person said they were planning to move their family from Bilton after witnessing graffiti, arson and drug dealing and others said the problem was getting worse.
Ms Paizis has lived in the old part of Bilton for around seven years and said she has never seen or experienced anti-social behaviour.
She believes any problems are concentrated around a few streets.
“I’m passionately pro-Bilton. That needs to be put across.
“Any anti-social behaviour does need dealing with, but it’s a shame for a small area to tarnish the whole of Bilton.”
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She said she was proud to be part of the local community, which she said had rallied during lockdown.
“You need to hear about the other side of Bilton. We have a fabulous community. People take care of their properties here, all neighbours take care of each other.
“We have thriving primary schools and a church community. Young families move here because it’s safe.”
Ms Paizis said she sympathised with the family who wanted to move away due to perceived problems, but said “it’s not a representative view of Bilton”.
She added that any young people who might be mixed up with anti-social behaviour needed support:
“We all need to focus on his helping and supporting young people to feel purposeful and focused as we come out of the pandemic.”
