Under 17s have been banned from entering Hirst’s Yard in Leeds city centre following “unacceptable” criminality and anti-social behaviour.
A partial closure order has been issued for the area behind Duncan Street, Call Lane and Briggate until January 6, 2023. The order granted by Leeds Magistrates Court prevents under 17s entering the yard between the hours of 8pm and 7am daily until 4pm.
Anyone who breaches these restrictions will be asked to leave the area or be arrested. Leeds City Council’s Safer Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team took action following extensive partnership work, including targeted patrols, multi-agency operations, and frequently raised concerns and reports from the local businesses and licenced operators.
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A spokesperson for the authority said that the court was satisfied that the use of the premises has resulted, or (if the order is not made) is likely to result, in criminal behaviour on the premises, and serious nuisance to members of the public and the making of this order is necessary to prevent the occurrence of such disorder or nuisance for a period of up to three months.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: "I very much welcome this Partial Closure Order for Hirst's Yard as a demonstration of our on-going commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour. We have seen too many unacceptable incidents of anti-social behaviour and crimes against both people and property. This Order is as a result of our joint community safety work in the night time economy as we are determined to ensure that people visiting the city centre are safe, and feel safe.
“I’d like to thank our partners at West Yorkshire Police who are working with us to address these issues and to reassure people that we will not hesitate to use all resources available to keep them safe.”
Inspector Pat Kenning of the Leeds South NPT, said: “We have been working closely with Leeds Council to put in place measures to restrict the Hirst’s Yard area to those who are under age and welcome this partial closure order.
“It will block access to Hirst’s Yard to those aged 17 and under between the hours of 8pm and 7am, and has been put in place following close consultation with businesses there.
“Helping them restrict entrance to people under a legal drinking age can only be a good thing for businesses and customers by reducing the potential for incidents such as anti-social behaviour. The NPT remains committed to helping those using the night-time economy to do so safely in the Hirst’s Yard area and in the wider city centre.”
Breaches can be reported to West Yorkshire Police on 101, via the West Yorkshire Police website. Call 999 in an emergency, or where there is a threat to life.
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