The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the Riverside Gardens and East & West Holmes Fields in Ilkley has been allowed to expire Bradford Council has confirmed.
The order, taken out in 2021 and lasting 4 year, prohibited a number of behaviours, including behaving in a way that caused harassment, alarm or distress; drunken behaviour or refusal to stop drinking; being under the influence of controlled drugs; causing an obstruction or jumping from the footbridge; lighting fires or barbecues; littering and camping overnight in tents, caravans or campervans or sleeping outdoors overnight.
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “After some consideration we feel the conditions have changed to the degree that this level of Order is no longer required.
“The PSPO was taken out in May 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when there was a significant rise in the number of people gathering in the area and an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.
“Levels of anti-social behaviour have decreased over the last three years, as numbers gathering in the area have dropped since the end of the pandemic, which means action can be scaled down.
“In addition, some parts of the order duplicated police powers, blurring the lines of jurisdiction.
“We will continue working with the police to tackle any anti-social behaviour.
“Only a small number of fines were issued as most people responded well when council or Police officers engaged with them and offered advice.”
The council says the annual warm weather plan which spans the official bathing period of May to September, will remain in place. There is also clear signage on the swing bridge warning about the dangers of jumping from it. The decision to allow the PSPO to expire will be reviewed in six months.
Councillors Andrew Loy and David Nunns (Conservative, Ilkley) said in a joint statement: “Ward councillors were not consulted about this decision, so it has come as a shock and is incredibly frustrating.
“For years, we have been arguing that the PSPO was the right approach, but needed more resources to enforce it properly. Instead, the council now appears to have given up completely and this decision seems to be more about cost-cutting than what is best for Ilkley.
“We will continue to make Ilkley’s case for additional resources and powers. We already have a meeting arranged with the council officer in charge of parks, when we will be pressing for sufficient litter-picking and bin-emptying.”
They added that police will now be fully responsible for tackling anti-social behaviour, and urged residents to report any incidents by ringing 101.
They said: "It is vitally important that everything is reported to the police, so that they are aware of the scale of the problem and can allocate resources accordingly.”
Birthday card appeal launched for Ilkley woman turning 106
Ilkley Fire Station welcomes hundreds for annual open day
Ilkley MP says lessons must be learned from A65 roadworks
Thrill-seekers' skydive raises £5,700 for children's charity
Ilkley nursing home opens new landscaped garden
Ilkley Half Marathon raises more than £55,000 for local good causes
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC
Yorkshire Water completes A65 work two weeks early
Sir Gareth Southgate among sporting stars heading to Ilkley golf event
Ilkley wine merchant to open third venue in Haworth
Ilkley MP demands answers from Royal Mail over postal delays
Bard in the Yard returns to Ilkley Manor House this August
Community comes together in Ilkley to address young men's mental health
Record-breaking Ilkley Open serves up more than 1,100 matches
Ilkley Playhouse unveils packed season of drama, comedy, music and live entertainment
GALLERY: Thousands celebrate Yorkshire Day in Ilkley
MP criticises lack of progress on Ilkley roadworks as Yorkshire Water extends working hours
Right at Home celebrates official opening of new office
The Little Calf offer free play sessions
Ilkley Civic Society launches search for the town's best building and conservation projects
