As you may know, an ongoing priority for us is ensuring the Otley Run is well managed. We've introduced rules to enable us to tackle bad behaviour like public urination, new licensing rules to stop venues adding more capacity to the run, and worked with the venues to push them to manage their queues better.
Other local residents tell us this work has made a difference, but enforcement of new rules is vital.
So we're really pleased that the police and council anti-social behaviour and licensing enforcement teams have put so much effort into working with us collaboratively. They've now been running regular action days for several weeks. To give you an idea of what this work looks like, here's the report from Saturday 7th September:
"7th September 2024
3 PCSOs,1 PC, 3 Capable Guardian Staff, 2 LASBT Officers,1 Licensing Officer
There were patrols conducted by 1 x PC, 3 x PCSOs, 2 x LASBT Officers, 1 Licensing Officer and 3 x Capable Guardians, all wearing Hi Vis or full uniform where appropriate and a marked vehicle was parked at the entrance to Burton Crescent. The work was again carried out between 12 – 5pm concentrating on the area between Woodies and the Original Oak, as well as the North Lane area around Manahatta and Headingley Taps. There was also attention paid to the area between The Original Oak to The Hyde Park, however, this area was generally quiet during the time the shift took place – this may be something we need to consider when planning future action days.
Engagement was had with door staff/DPS at the following venues:
Woodies
Three Horse Shoes
New Inn
Taylors Sports Bar
Arcadia
The Box
Original Oak
Skyrack
Headingley Taps
Manahatta
Golden Beam
Hyde Park
Input centred around issues of queuing, people leaving premises with alcohol and inappropriate fancy dress.
I have listed some of the issues officers encountered whilst on shift:
At 12:10 officers were approached by a member of the public to report people urinating in the churchyard at St Chads. Officers attended but found no one there.
At 13:00 a male was seen leaving the beer garden at The Three Horse Shoes carrying an open alcohol container. He was challenged and required to dispose of the alcohol under the PSPO and he complied.
At 13:05 two females carrying open alcohol containers observed on Otley Road. They were challenged and required to dispose of alcohol under the PSPO and they both complied.
At 13:40 officers spoke with staff at Arcadia about customers spilling out of the “barriered area” onto the footpath.
At 13:50 officers visited 21Co Café to speak with the owner about concerns that have been raised in relation to the impact on customers and staff caused by those on the Otley Run and customers at Arcadia. Advice and reassurance given that attention is being paid to Arcadia.
At 14:10 two females carrying open alcohol containers observed on Otley Road. They were challenged and required to dispose of alcohol under the PSPO and they both complied.
At 14:15 a coach was parked outside Woodies and was blocking part of the junction making it difficult for other drivers to see oncoming vehicles. The coach driver was spoken with, given words of advice and moved on.
At 14:20 officers saw a member of staff at the Three Horse Shoes challenging customers trying to leave with drinks. Officers also challenged customers and required them to dispose of alcohol under the PSPO and they all complied.
At 14:35 two males were seen urinating on Weetwood Lane. They were challenged over this and they said they were urinating outside as the queue in the nearby pub was too big. Both were issued with tickets for breach of the PSPO.
At 14:40 a group of males were seen walking onto Burton Crescent, however, on seeing officers, the males turned and headed back onto Otley Road and away from the area. It is believed it is likely the males were looking for a place to urinate but had been put off by the presence of the officers.
At 14:45 a delivery driver was seen riding an electric bicycle on the footpath. He was challenged, given words of advice and he moved onto the road.
At 15:15 officers visited Beam Works Shop and spoke with staff who were positive about the work being done by officers.
At 15:20 licensing officer spoke with door staff at The Sky Rack about concerns that have been raised previously about queues blocking the entrances to nearby businesses such as Beam Work Shops.
At 15:40 a male was seen urinating on Shire Oak Road. He was challenged over this and was issued with a ticket for a breach of the PSPO.
At 15:50 a male who was out with family members and was very intoxicated was being verbally abusive on Otley Road. He was challenged over this and was issued with a ticket for a breach of the PSPO. His family members were very apologetic.
From 16:00-16:30 officers patrolled the area between The Golden Beam and The Hyde Park Pub but saw very few people on the Otley Run. They spoke with staff at both premises and staff at The Hyde Park explained they do not get busy until later in the day.
At 16:35 a male was seen at Arcadia with an inflatable sex doll. He was challenged, told to deflate it and he complied. Door staff spoken with about inappropriate fancy dress
At 16:40 two males carrying open alcohol containers observed on Otley Road. They were challenged and required to dispose of alcohol under the PSPO and they both complied.
Lots of engagement with customers on the Otley Run with compliance from those spoken with. 4 tickets issued across the day, 3 for urination in public and 1 for verbal abuse.
Once again feedback from residents & businesses engaged with in the area was positive when it was explained to them what the officers were doing in the area & information about the days continues to be shared on our X page.
Thank you for everyone who took part on Saturday."
