Dispersal orders granted for Cross Gates and Seacroft as residents 'terrorised' by anti-social behaviour

Community meetings were called on January 28 and March 5 following complaints of youths throwing stones at cars and taxis, smashing bus stop shelters, setting fire to bins and riding their bikes dangerously.

On Sunday, bus drivers were forced to avoid South Parkway in Seacroft after yobs smashed windows and attacked a workman.

Business owner Nathan Clough, 28, said both his Cross Gates candle store and dessert takeaway have been blighted with anti-social behaviour since they opened.

Nathan said: “The kids are terrorising residents and businesses - causing thousands of pounds of damage and it doesn’t seem like enough is being done."

But the community has been reassured by the packed-out meetings, where police teams, local councillors, the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team (LASBT) and youth workers outlined their strategies for dealing with the problem.

A number of dispersal orders have now been issued in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, including at South Parkway in Seacroft, Leeds East Neighborhood Policing Team confirmed in an alert to residents.

The order allows officers to give anyone congregating in a group, or acting in an anti-social manner, an order to leave the area and not return within 48 hours.

Those under the age of 18 are returned home to parents or guardians and anyone who breaches the order will be arrested.

Katrina Slater, who runs community Facebook group Crossgates Present, Past & Future and is spearheading the action against anti-social behaviour, said she welcomed the dispersal orders which were a 'positive' step forward.

Katrina told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I know there is concern the dispersal orders will move the issues onto other areas, however we have been assured by the authorities that they will communicate with colleagues in other areas to prevent this from happening.

"I feel this is a positive step and will hopefully send a clear message to those involved in anti-social behaviour that their actions are being monitored.

“I really want these kids to be aware of the consequences of what they’re doing, of how much disruption and upset it’s causing.”

Katrina praised police and the LASBT for attending the meetings and listening to residents and business owners air their experiences in a 'constructive' way.

Speaking before the first meeting, Inspector Mick Preston, who heads the Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware of some concerns that have been raised by residents about recent anti-social behaviour in the area and we will be attending the meeting to discuss the issues with them alongside local elected members.

“Anti-social behaviour that impacts on people’s quality of life is unacceptable and we will continue to work closely alongside our partners in the local authority, particularly Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team, to identify those responsible and take effective action to reduce incidents and improve the situation for residents.”