(Image: Thomas Gadd)
Readers have challenged claims that football fans are throwing rubbish into gardens near Valley Parade.
There has been a backlash since Manningham councillor Muhammad Haseeb Khan said residents had contacted him about litter linked to Bradford City home matches.
Cllr Khan discussed the concerns at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Bradford West Area Committee, stating: “During football season Manningham Lane falls victim to littering by Bradford City fans.
“You talk about residents taking ownership of their area, but residents in the side streets say football fans are throwing rubbish into their gardens."
Bradford City’s Mbanq Stadium is in Manningham, with supporters travelling along Manningham Lane from Bradford city centre. Some routes pass through residential streets.
Many readers disputed the suggestion that football supporters were responsible for the condition of the area.
Chris Parker said: “Walk on there every match day , Never seen anyone throwing anything in there outside space."
Michael Dalby suggested parts of the area were not in a great state irrespective of whether or not City were playing at home, adding: “Not sure many football fans have got a sofa slung over their shoulder to fly tip."
Jen Stratton said: “I go to every home game and I’ve never seen any fans throwing litter in the gardens.”
Andrea Thirkill said: “Unfortunately the areas leading up to Valley Parade are covered with litter which then encourages others to join in.”
Darren S Line said: “Why cameras haven't been installed so it can be seen who is dumping the rubbish. Makes sense to me”
Some comments questioned whether the council and residents were placing too much focus on supporters. Others used jokes about fridges, mattresses and furniture allegedly being left in the area, rather than carried by people going to matches.
Craig Buchan said: "Soz mattress slipped out of my hand."
Bradley Keiron said: “Its everywhere not just bradford. If there were more bins around streets people may use them. They all blame people why don't you blame the council for not installing enough bins.”
Speaking about a large illgeal waste dump in Midland Road, Paul Conroy said: "There is a literal tip shown up on that road, but yeah blame the one thing that brings anyone into the city centre."