Otley Run Updates

Following the recent public meeting in Headingley, we want to update residents on the progress we’ve made and what’s coming next to reduce the impact of the Otley Run on our communities.

We know how disruptive this issue can be. There’s no quick fix – but progress is being made.

Public Meeting earlier this year

A New Long-Term Focus

At the heart of this work is the new Otley Run Problem Solving Group – a three-year initiative bringing together police, council officers, councillors, my team, community representatives, and other experts. This is the first time a long-term, joined-up approach has been taken, and the group held its first meeting on Wednesday 14 May.

What We’ve Achieved So Far

1. A Stronger Police Presence and Zero Tolerance Approach

4–6 police officers are now patrolling the Otley Run every Saturday afternoon (unless pulled away for an emergency).

Zero tolerance enforcement: Anyone breaking the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) will be fined.

Councillors have secured extra police patrols over the summer.

Joint action days have included:

• Surprise pub inspections

• Taxi licence checks

• High-visibility patrols on key dates like bank holidays

2. A Tougher Public Space Protection Order

We’ve strengthened the PSPO to include fines for:

• Public urination

• Blocking pavements

• Harassment or intimidation

• Other street-based anti-social behaviour

• Police are now actively enforcing these rules – it’s no longer just warnings.

Why reporting still matters:

We know it’s frustrating when the issue has passed by the time officers arrive. But reports build evidence for stronger action. Every report helps.

How to report:

Use 101 or the West Yorkshire Police online reporting tool.

For issues like litter, use the Leeds Council website or email your councillors.

3. Dedicated Focus on the Otley Run

The Otley Run is now a recognised priority for both the Council and the police. A dedicated team of officers are working on it week-in, week-out.

4. Blocking Expansion Through Licensing

We’ve extended the Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) to include the full Otley Run, including the first three pubs in Weetwood. This means:

• We can refuse new licences

• We can apply strict new conditions

• It’s much harder for the route to grow

5. Better Door Supervision

Most venues now have better-trained door staff and more consistent management of queues and entry. There’s more to do – but this is a clear improvement.

What We’re Doing Next

6. Listening to You and Pushing for New Powers

The government is reviewing how councils can apply for new powers under devolution. We want to be ready with a strong, community-backed case.

This could include:

• A daytime levy on bars to pay for street cleaning, enforcement and safety

• More flexibility to regulate local venues

• Tougher sanctions on problem premises

We’ll be launching a survey soon and would love to hear your ideas. In the meantime, please consider signing our petition to raise PSPO fines from £100 to £500.

7. Tackling Misogyny on the Run

We’re launching new work to challenge the misogynistic behaviour too often seen on the Otley Run.

This includes:

• Supporting men to speak out and challenge harmful behaviour

• Creating space for reflection and positive change

• Working with venues to take more responsibility for tackling unacceptable conduct

8. Renewed Engagement with Bars and Pubs

We’ll soon begin another round of engagement with venues to raise standards further. This includes:

• Building on progress with door supervision and queue management

• Asking venues to take more responsibility for what happens inside and outside

• Encouraging training and involvement in safety initiatives

• Some venues are stepping up, and we want to support them.

9. Taking Action on Problem Premises

We’re actively exploring licence reviews for venues with repeated or serious complaints. This is a formal process that requires evidence – and your reports help build the case.

10. Exploring a Business Improvement District (BID)

We’re looking at whether a BID for the Otley Run area could bring in more funding and coordination. A BID could:

• Fund extra cleaning, wardens, or services

• Encourage better business standards

• Give residents more say in how the area is managed

A Note on Prevent

Some residents raised questions about the Prevent programme, which focuses on countering radicalisation. While not directly linked to the Otley Run, we continue to support local training and awareness in schools and frontline services.