(Image: Ian Hodgson)
A Bradford MP has said residents feel “intimidated and threatened” by people wearing balaclavas while riding illegal e-bikes.
An overwhelming majority of Telegraph & Argus readers backed calls for restrictions on face coverings.
The comments from Shipley MP Anna Dixon MP come after a Telegraph & Argus poll found strong support for a potential balaclava ban in Bradford following the introduction of similar powers in Nottingham.
The poll asked readers whether Bradford should consider restrictions on balaclavas and face coverings similar to those introduced under Nottingham's Operation Reclaim scheme.
A total of 353 votes were cast, with 96 per cent supporting the idea, while two per cent voted against and two per cent said "maybe".
MP says residents feel intimidated
Speaking about the issue, Ms Dixon said the use of balaclavas by people riding illegal e-bikes is a concern frequently raised by constituents.
She said: “I know from chats on the doorstep in my Shipley constituency that people across the area feel intimidated and threatened by people racing around on illegal e-bikes wearing balaclavas."
“Clearly these people are hiding their faces from being caught on CCTV to evade the law.”
Her comments follow concerns raised by a Thackley resident, who said groups of masked youths are often seen riding bikes and gathering in woodland and residential areas.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said the issue has become a frequent topic of discussion among neighbours and local community WhatsApp groups.
Nottingham scheme sparks debate
Calls for Bradford to consider similar measures come after Nottingham introduced powers allowing police and council officers to require people to remove face coverings where they believe they are being worn to conceal identity while committing crime, anti-social behaviour or intimidating members of the public.
The restrictions, which came into force on September 15, include exemptions for religious, medical, health and work-related reasons.
Those who refuse to comply can face enforcement action.
Questions over enforcement
While recognising residents' concerns, Ms Dixon said any decision on introducing similar powers in Bradford should be evidence-led.
She said: “My concern is that whatever powers exist on paper can they be enforced?"
“I'd want reassurance from the council and police that they have the capacity to enforce the new orders, alongside clear exemptions for religious, medical and work-related face coverings."
“It is key, however, that we first have a detailed look at the evidence from Nottingham before Bradford decides whether to follow suit.”
Readers overwhelmingly back restrictions
The Telegraph & Argus poll generated strong reactions from readers, many of whom argued that balaclavas are commonly worn to avoid identification.
One commenter wrote: “Anyone wearing these are simply cowards.”
Another said: “Yes, yes and yes again. They know full well they can't be recognised with them on and savour every minute of it.”
A third commented: “Everyone knows why these people wear these masks and it isn't to protect them from midges.”
Others questioned whether a ban would be effective, with one reader writing: “What good will it do? There are legal bans on speeding, dangerous driving, drug dealing and smoking weed but that doesn't seem to deter people.”
Council aware of local concerns
Bradford Council has previously confirmed it is aware of complaints from residents in Idle and Thackley about nuisance bikes and youths wearing face coverings.
Councillor Ian Walker, the council's executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “We are aware of recent complaints from residents in Idle and Thackley, concerned about e-bikes, motorbikes and youths wearing face coverings.”
He urged residents to continue reporting incidents to police, adding that enforcement is intelligence-led and relies on detailed information about where and when incidents are taking place.
Mr Walker also revealed that several young people in the area had recently been identified as being involved with nuisance or illegal bikes and were being dealt with through anti-social behaviour procedures.