(Image: Bradford Council)
RENEWED calls to gate off a crime-hit Bradford city centre alleyway have been made following a reported stabbing.
A large emergency presence was near The Drum Winder pub on Ivegate at around 6pm on Monday evening.
An 18-year-old man was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident has reignited concerns over the alleyway linking Ivegate and New Market Place - which Bradford Council is seeking to gate off following years of anti-social behaviour.
The scene this morning
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
Alleyway is 'massive concern'
City Ward Councillor Nazam Azam (Labour) said the latest incident strengthened the case for action.
He said: "It's a massive concern in terms of public safety.
"I am aware of it, I have raised it many times and the council is attempting to address this."
Referring to the reported stabbing, he added: "Someone has suffered violence at that location. It's unacceptable.
"I am aware that the police are dealing with it and I'm sure the perpetrators will be brought to justice."
Plans submitted in April
In April, Bradford Council submitted a planning application to install black wrought iron gates at either end of the covered alleyway.
The council argued that long-standing criminal activity is damaging the area and deterring investment.
Planning documents state that the passage has attracted "a significant amount of antisocial behaviour and serious criminal activity" in recent years and that police attendance at incidents there has become "unsustainable given limited resources."
The application says the issues are "well beyond typical anti-social behaviour issues experienced by city centres."
A decision on the planning application had been expected in June, but no decision has yet been made public.
The Drum Winder speaks out
The Drum Winder manager Scott Harrison also backed the proposals, saying repeated incidents around the alleyway were affecting businesses on Ivegate and damaging perceptions of the area and the pub.
"100%," he said when asked if he supported the gates.
"I live here with my kids and I don't want my kids seeing that.
"It would stop what's going on. People smoke weed in there. When people walk past the pub and smell that, they don't want to come in.
"I strongly believe all my customers and a lot of other people on Ivegate would support that."
Concerns raised in 2021
The latest proposals are not the first attempt to close off the alleyway, with police suggesting the alley could be closed off to the public in 2021.
These plans had previously attracted objections from those concerned about losing access to a historic public thoroughfare in one of Bradford's oldest streets.
Bradford Civic Society had initially opposed efforts to gate the route, warning against the loss of a long-established right of way.
However, the group later softened its position following discussions over the design and proposed seasonal access arrangements, acknowledging it "may help reduce some ongoing criminal activities."
Bradford Council have been approached for comment.