(Image: Lesley Tate)
POLICE are asking people if they think action to tackle anti-social behaviour behaviour at a bus station has worked.
In March, town leaders called a public meeting to discuss concerns raised by residents following assaults and incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around Skipton Bus Station.
The meeting followed several weeks of reported incidents at the bus station and Keighley Road area such as fireworks being let off, groups of youths from outside the town starting to gather in the area, and assaults.
Some bus companies suspended buses entering the station for a while.
The town's neighbourhood policing team asked people for their views and upped the number of patrols taking place.
Sir Julian Smith joined calls for permanent CCTV at the bus station
(Image: Submitted)
Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith discussed the matter with police and local councillors and joined calls for the town's CCTV coverage to include the bus station area.
Around 50 people attended the public meeting in March to hear concerns about the bus station area and for answers from councillors and police, including Craven Inspector, Paul Crabtree.
Several of those at the meeting said they had been assaulted in the area, or knew someone who had.
There were also claims of drug dealing taking place openly in the area and of daytime drinking along the canal towpath. One business owner said how they had installed their own CCTV security, and there was criticism about the design of the 'wind-tunnel' waiting areas.
Police at the meeting said anti-social behaviour could be linked to nighttime clubs and bars, warned that social media could exaggerate what was actually happening and reminded people that Skipton and North Yorkshire was one of the safest places to live in the country.
Shortly after the meeting, North Yorkshire Council installed two CCTV cameras.
The two 're-deployable' cameras went up in Keighley Road and are constantly monitored from a control room.
The council said it had moved quickly to try and tackle the issues and offer reassurance after listening to concerns from councillors, residents and the town's MP.
Police are now asking people to say whether things have improved by completing an online survey.
Police increased patrols at the bus station
(Image: NYP)
Questions include whether incidents of anti-social behaviour has reduced in the last six months.
People are also asked whether they are aware CCTV has been installed in the Keighley Road area of the bus station and whether they feel it has made any difference.
Other questions include whether people feel confident in reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour to police and whether they are happier to use the bus station than they were six months ago.
The survey can be completed at: orlo.uk/RKzad