Yeadon guesthouse owners plagued by vandalism plan traders’ meeting (From Ilkley Gazette)

Yeadon guesthouse owners plagued by vandalism plan traders’ meeting

8:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Local news

A couple who run a Yeadon guesthouse are planning a meeting with other traders to discuss problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Julie Cecere and Harvey Brayshaw say they have been plagued with problems from youths causing damage and mayhem around their B&B on Ivegate.

Now they are planning to call a meeting with other business people to discuss ways of tackling the issue.

The couple say a gang of youths has been causing havoc around Yeadon over the last two months and had recently broken a window at their property by throwing snowballs with stones inside.

They say they have previously had security cameras and windows broken and that they are not the only ones to suffer, with many other businesses being targeted.

The couple say the problem seems to be getting out of control.

Julie said: “If we have got guests in and kids are throwing bricks at the window it is not particularly good for our business.”

The couple accused the police of not being interested and said they had approached Otley and Yeadon councillor Ryk Downes about the issue.

Coun Downes said he understood the police had issued warning notices to those identified as the culprits. He added that he was always ready to listen to the problems and see what could be done to solve them He said: “Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable anywhere anytime and needs to be stamped out.”

Inspector Richard Coldwell, who heads the Aireborough and Wharfedale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said seven harassment warnings had been issued to seven local youths since the latest complaints about snowballs being thrown during the recent bad weather. He said police had offered to sit down with residents and Coun Downes to discuss the problems.

“We have issued seven harassment warrants to local youths and we hope that will be the end of it,” he added.