Residents in one of Leeds’ “worst” neighbourhoods are desperate to leave
A car – the number plates covered in mud and the front bumper partially missing – sped past LeedsLive journalists, who captured the fleeing vehicle on camera(Image: Leeds Live)
Regarding as “the worst neighbourhood” in Leeds, those who reside in the Belle Isle area have told of their “horrendous” experience with “crack-cocaine-using neighbours”, dangerous drivers and out-of-control, dangerous dogs “roaming the streets”.
Just last month, a woman was approached in the Belle Isle area by four masked men on two electric bikes. It was reported that a knife was placed against her neck before she was subjected to a sexual assault. Two people have since been arrested – and police are “continuing to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the ongoing investigation to please come forward”.
Yet when residents living on West Grange Road, near where to the attack took place, were asked about whether this was just a one-off, the answer was just a knowing shake of the head. Samantha, 24, has been living in the Belle Isle neighbourhood for the last four years with her boyfriend.
She didn’t want to show her face, out of fear of being recognised by neighbours, but she was happy to speak about living in the Belle Isle area. “It’s horrendous,” Samantha said, the second she was asked about how safe she felt in the area. Gesturing to various buildings across the street, Samantha explained the area was “full” of crime.
Samantha said: “Those people have dogs they don’t know how to control, and there are often massive dogs just roaming the streets. Over there, there is a group of lads who just race quadbikes and cars all over the streets.”
As Samantha finished her anecdote, a car – the number plates covered in mud – whizzed past. Speaking of her safety, Samantha said that she “never” leaves the house alone. Samantha said: “If I do go out, it’s because I am driving or I am with my boyfriend. I would never go out alone around here.”
“It’s horrendous,” Samantha said, the second she was asked about how safe she felt in the area(Image: Lyra Auld )
Samantha’s boyfriend continued to spill secrets about the streets, explaining that crack cocaine use was allegedly “heavily used” in the area. He claimed: “Like a week ago, someone in [a house nearby] died from a crack-cocaine overdose. One guy next to us has just been jailed for shoplifting.”
Samantha said that she has been speaking with the council to see if she can move house. Samantha said: ”A lot of these houses are council houses, so I have told the council about everything, but I guess it is just a hard area to fix—my boyfriend and I want to move as soon as possible though. It is just so horrendous.”
What do the council say?
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “No one should have to put up with crime or anti-social behaviour in their community, and we take all such reports, including those in Belle Isle, extremely seriously. West Yorkshire Police lead on investigating serious offences, and we work closely with police, BITMO and other partners to respond to concerns, take action where appropriate, and support those affected.
“We would encourage anyone affected by crime or anti-social behaviour to report it immediately. We also continue to work with partners on longer-term neighbourhood improvements to reduce these incidents and help people feel safer in their communities.”
Crime in your area?
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “We understand the concern that offences of this nature will cause. As we would with all investigations of this nature, we have looked at whether there are any other offences that could be linked. At this time, we have not had any similar reports in this area and are treated these as isolated linked incidents involving one victim. That victim is being offered specialist safeguarding support, and the investigation team are following up all available lines of enquiry.”
The neighbourhood policing team sets the ward priorities in line with concerns raised by local residents. In the Middleton and Belle Isle area these are currently the anti-social use of off-road bikes and quadbikes, drugs and road safety.
There is a specialist off-road bike team in Leeds District who work to tackle issues with the anti-social and illegal use of bikes, including seizing vehicles and prosecuting riders. This work has resulted in calls for service relating to anti-social use of off-road vehicles reducing by over 50 per cent. While the NPT are aware that it remains an ongoing issue, they have had feedback from members of the community that they can see that the situation is improving.
The Force also understand the negative impact of drug use in our communities and the NPT has a number of live investigations and pending prosecutions in the Middleton and Belle Isle area. The police cannot address these issues with enforcement alone though and partners play a key role in treatment, early intervention and education.
The work of the NPT is often publicised on their Facebook page and members of the community are encouraged to follow the page for updates here. There is also information about the work to tackle the ward priorities and details of upcoming events here.
West Yorkshire Police police can be contacted on 101 or online. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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