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Calls for booze ban to help clean up Leeds community centre
People in west Leeds want a booze ban outside their community centre, claiming drug and alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour is keeping visitors away and affecting vital business which helps it survive.
Staff and supporters of New Wortley Community Centre – which is largley self-sufficient – have worked hard in recent years to keep it running despite funding cuts. The centre currently houses three social enterprises – a cafe, a launderette and a charity shop – the proceeds of which, along with grants, help sustain it.
But now locals fear increasing antisocial behaviour outside the centre is intimidating some users and sending business down.
Campaigner Maureen Ingham, chairman of the New Wortley Action Group, said: “There is a drugs and alcohol issue outside the centre. Staff feel intimidated and users – for example older ladies – are staying away.
“We have talked to the PCSOs and asked for a booze ban like in Town Street, Armley.
“People are saying we are not going in because ‘they’ are doing drugs. Staff are extra vigilant anyway but it’s a perception. We don’t want to be banning people from the centre because it’s for everybody. But we are losing business.”
Xavier Chevillard, of the New Wortley Residents’ Association, said recent incidents were “frustrating” and is supporting calls for the Armley DPPO – designated public places order – to be extended to New Wortley.
Inspector Mark Wheeler, who heads the Leeds West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The community centre is a valuable local resource and we will not tolerate behaviour that impacts negatively on the lives of people in our communities.
“As a result of these latest concerns we will be paying extra attention to the area and working alongside our partners in the council’s antisocial behaviour team and the relevant housing agencies to ensure robust action against anyone involved.
“We will also look to deploy mobile CCTV cameras to gather evidence of antisocial behaviour and to act as a deterrent. We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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