Give us more police patrols

"Suspected drug dealing and boy racers were among the concerns raised at Hanging Heaton Community Group's April meeting. Members heard how people living near St Paul's Church on Kirkgate had seen cars pulling up late at night and in the early hours of the morning on several occasions. They also described how boy racers in the area parked up their cars and  revved their engines early on a morning.

Other members were concerned that as the evenings became lighter gangs of youths would begin to congregate because there were no facilities for them nearby.

The meeting also heard that crime had been creeping up in the area during March with two thefts fromc ars, a burglary and the theft of a car. A customer at a Hanging Heaton newsagent's had also tried to use a counterfeit note.

The group agreed they would like to see more frequent patrols by the neighbourhood policing team and would look into inviting officers to a future meeting.

Other items discussed were:

 

	Plans to organise a jazz and swing dance with a pie and pea supper in May.
	Problems with dog fouling, particularly on the path between Eskdale Close and Kirkgate. The group agreed to approach Kirklees Council about bins but noted a request had been refused a few years ago.
	Council plans for traffic calming on Bennett Lane. It was felt they would be unlikely to help when the recently installed measures on High Street had proved ineffective.
	Safety concerns over the low wall on High Street which conceals a steep drop. Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood and Coun Colin Auty are pursuing the issue on behalf of the group.

Hanging Heaton Community Group will next meet at St Paul's Church Hall on May 7 at 7pm for the annual meeting. New members are welcome.