POLICE are launching a clampdown on crime and anti-social behaviour at Ilkley Riverside after a spike in incidents.

Throughout the next few months, Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out a proactive operation following the spike during recent hot weather.

Issues such as dangerous or illegal parking, barbecues, increased litter, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol use and water safety will be addressed.

A multi-agency operation will be carried out with local neighbourhood policing teams supported by Bradford Council, parking wardens, highways officers and volunteers.

Police officers and PCSOs will be patrolling the area in and around Ilkley Riverside and Denton Road, in a bid to reduce crime and provide a high-visibility police presence as well as providing reassurance to people in Ilkley that during the summer holidays the area will remain safe for their families to enjoy.

Inspector Adam Beecroft, of Keighley NPT, who is leading the operation, said: “Last year we ran a similar operation in Ilkley as a direct response to a number of incidents which occurred in and around the area related to anti-social behaviour.

“Following its success, throughout the next few months and with the upcoming hot weather, we will be replicating the operation to combat crime in and around the area. Officers and our partner agencies will be in the vicinity, providing reassurance and targeting those who cause anti-social behaviour and are involved in criminality.

“We want this space in Ilkley to remain a family friendly area and reassure residents and the wider community that anti-social behaviour or any criminality is not acceptable and it will be dealt with robustly.”

Anyone who would like to report any incidents or has any information on ASB in their area, are urged to contact NPT teams via 101 or use the 101 LiveChat Facility https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101LiveChat

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In June this year Bradford Council said it had implemented an action plan to tackle problems caused by crowds who descend on Ilkley during hot weather.

During the lockdown, issues with overcrowding, illegal parking, ‘tombstoning’ from bridges, littering and anti-social behaviour had been particularly acute and the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks group had demanded action.

The group’s members met with Bradford Council and Ilkley Town Council to discuss and agree a plan to tackle the problems. Key measures included joint patrols by police and park wardens to enforce by-laws, which ban the use of disposable barbecues, and to combat anti-social behaviour, such as public drinking and drug taking.

Youth workers were to be deployed to engage with young people and address issues which might be impacting on the enjoyment of the parks by other visitors.

To combat the problem of littering there were to be daily bin collections on busy days and new bigger bins were put in place to increase capacity. Bradford Council will also provide litter pickers, gloves, bags and safety equipment for local volunteers who undertake litter picks.

Plans included additional parking restrictions on Denton Road and a consultation on long-term changes to regulations affecting parking near the Swing Bridge.

Public toilets in Riverside Park, along with those in the main car park in Ilkley were also reopened.

Bradford Council said it had consistently worked with local groups to address issues arising from an increased number of visitors.