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Oct 2022

Last Updated: 19/10/2022

Crime

Railings to be installed on Harrogate's Bower Street

by John Plummer

| 19 Oct, 2022

Concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour on the street were heightened last Friday when a man was stabbed.

Railings are to be installed on Harrogate's Bower Street in an attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Businesses and councillors have expressed concerns about persistent problems caused by people "milling around" on the street, which is the other side of the One Arch tunnel into the town centre.

The issue came to a head last Friday night when a man was stabbed on the street.

Some people have said they are frightened to walk down the street and businesses are concerned about the impact on trade.

Police say the street attracts anti-social behaviour partly because it is located close to many agencies that provide help, and also because of the street design, which encourages people to linger.

Today Harrogate Borough Council revealed it had reached an agreement with private landlords on the street to tackle the problem. It said:

"The council has facilitated negotiations with private owners including landlords and Leeds Federated Housing Association to make the area more secure and have now reached an agreement to install railings to premises on the parade of shops to reduce access.

"These areas have consistently been used as a location where people congregate and where there is evidence of repeat antisocial behaviour."

The Stray Ferret understands the council has been negotiating for years with the landlords to take action. The council statement said:

"As the land is privately owned, negotiations have taken longer than hoped however this work will look to be progressed as a priority with partners continuing to work alongside the council."

Police say Harrogate town centre ‘is safe’ despite highest anti-social behaviour rate in county

Man charged after Harrogate stabbing

Bower Street is located close to Harrogate Conservative Club and the office of Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones.

'Trouble for a long time'

Richard Cooper, the Conservative leader of the council and its elected member for Central Ward, who is also Mr Jones' office manager, said:

"All of us who live or work near this location know that it has been trouble for a long time.

"While the council has worked with the police on the issues the land is privately owned and installing secure boundaries is the responsibility of the property owner.

"Nonetheless, the council and other partners recognise the impact that antisocial behaviour and criminal activity has on the quality of life of residents, businesses and the wider community.

"That is why we have offered to help the property owners secure their boundaries and I am glad agreement has been reached on how to do this. I am grateful to the property owners for working with us on this."

Bower Street

Mr Cooper added it was important to recognise "the people who congregate in these areas often have complex physical and mental health needs", adding:

"When criminal acts are committed the legal process needs to happen. But we also need to redouble our efforts to support agencies like Harrogate Homeless Project and Harrogate StreetAid who can provide the wrap-around support enabling people to break out of chaotic lifestyles.

"Securing this area will solve the anti-social and criminal behaviour problem at this location. It will not, on its own, change the lifestyles of those who congregated on Bower Street. Long-term dedicated support is the only way to do that."

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Railings to be installed on Harrogate's Bower Street

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'Trouble for a long time'