There is concern that it’s unsafe to moor canal boats in Skipton due to youths throwing objects at boats and kicking them from the towpath.
A meeting of Craven District Council’s select (crime and disorder) committee this week, councillors put questions to the Conservative North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe and NYP’s neighbourhood policing inspector for Craven, inspector Julie Earnshaw.
Cllr David Staveley read out a statement on behalf of Cllr Andrew Solloway, Independent councillor for Skipton South, that said anti-social behaviour on the towpath is forcing owners to avoid mooring their boats there.
He said: “There are reports of boats being kicked, things thrown on them, boats being untied and set adrift.
“There’s concern a growing impression Skipton is no longer a safe place to moor up and as such people are mooring their boats elsewhere. People have reported instances to the police but some people are simply moving boats away from area.”
Cllr Solloway asked the inspector if the force would increase patrols on the towpath to try and deter the troublemakers.
He added: “Some boat owners are single, some are lone women and there are vulnerable people.
“It’s very sad to see a town based on a waterway that has boat owners —who are not permanent residents of Skipton but contribute to our economy — now regard Skipton as not a nice place to moor up.”
Insp Earnshaw said the force has received 16 reports of anti-social behaviour on the towpath but the real figure was much higher due to boat owners not reporting incidents to the police.
She said the problem had been ongoing without the police knowing about, however, officers are now working with boat owners to help identify the likely culprits.
Insp Earnshaw added: “We’ve managed to get the canal boat owners on board with us, in terms of reporting but also gathering evidence. We’ve managed to get evidence with offenders identified and soon to be interviewed.”
“It’s an extremely small group and we know who these people are. We do have the resources to deal with it and we're hoping to bring it to an end extremely soon.”
Anita Lall appointed Principal at Craven College
Police step up patrols after vandalism in Glusburn
Wharfedale Scout District celebrates St George’s Day
Ilkley dental practice new Principle Trust patron
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations
Northern trains named among least reliable operators
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
Keighley Playhouse Presents: Jack Popplewell's Hilarious Comedy "Busybody"
Friends of Ilkley Rail Station holds first volunteer day
Spring opening announced for Ilkley Lido
Go behind the scenes with 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' writer
Plans approved to bring former Skipton department store back into use
