Council to install CCTV on rural lane after years of 'dogging' complaints
Enforcement officers are also patrolling the area
Wakefield Council is deploying mobile cameras on a rural lane following years of complaints from residents regarding 'dogging' and associated anti-social behaviour.
CCTV warning signs were installed on Top Lane last month ahead of the camera deployment, a move welcomed by local councillor Rebecca Webster.
Coun Webster (Reform/Wakefield Rural) stated on Facebook: "For a number of years, residents have raised concerns about dogging and associated antisocial behaviour on Top Lane, near West Bretton.
“We are pleased to see that CCTV warning signs have now been installed, and we welcome the planned installation of CCTV cameras along Top Lane in the coming weeks."
She added: "This is a positive step forward for local residents who have been raising these concerns for far too long."
A council spokesperson confirmed: "Mobile cameras are being deployed in this location, as well as patrols by enforcement officers, as we continue to tackle problems in the area alongside West Yorkshire Police."
Councillor Webster, who serves as Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Safer Communities, reiterated the council's commitment on November 3: "We are listening to residents’ concerns and currently looking into all options, alongside West Yorkshire Police, to tackle issues in this area.
“In the meantime, mobile cameras are being used in this location, as well as patrols by enforcement officers. We won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities."
The issue of 'dogging' and men meeting for sex in the woods adjacent to Top Lane has been a persistent problem, as highlighted at a West Bretton Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting in September.
During the September 22 meeting, a member of the public reported that female horse riders had previously raised concerns about men exposing themselves in the woods.
"They complained about people jumping out and exposing themselves in the woods. They were saying it's very common," the attendee stated.
PCSO George Sykes informed the meeting that Top Lane, which connects Denby Dale Road and Bar Lane, has been a problem area for several years. He said: "In past meetings we have had a lot of questions and issues around Top Lane with dogging and that sort of thing with men meeting (for sexual activity)."
PCSO Sykes elaborated on the impact: "There was issues with males meeting each other for sexual gratification and it would cause a lot of problems. Round there you have got a lot of dog walkers, horse riders and obviously it's not something they would really like to see.
“There have been multiple reports to ourselves. We have tried and tried with a police presence but there is only so much we can do being there for half-an-hour at a time."