Demolition to target anti-social behaviour hotspot in Castleford town centre
Tuesday, January 07, 2025
As part of Wakefield Council’s plan to improve the area around Castleford train station and tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre, the Welbeck Street canopy will be demolished this month.
The canopy covers one of the most popular routes between the train station and the town.
“I want everyone coming into Castleford to feel safe and enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.
“Demolishing the Welbeck Street canopy will open up the area, and installing improved lighting and CCTV cameras around the train station will provide additional security and reassurance for anyone using this route.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
“Castleford is a great place and it’s a shame that a handful of individuals carrying out acts of anti-social behaviour are impacting on other people’s enjoyment of the town. We are working with the Police to tackle this.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
Reports of anti-social behaviour taking place in this area have been taken seriously by the Council and the Police.
As part of a series of planned improvements for Castleford the canopy will be removed, and new lighting will be installed.
Plans are underway to move the Police Hub currently inside the indoor market onto the high street, making it easier to find for those who want to use it. And to provide a visible reminder that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and police action will be taken against anyone found to be carrying out anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Over the last 12 months the Police Hub has welcomed more than 680 visitors and dealt with 69 reported incidents.
Demolition work to remove the canopy is due to start on 6 January and is expected to be completed by 17 January. During this time there will be no pedestrian access to the area currently covered by the canopy.
The demolition and upgrade work has been funded by Network Rail’s First and Last Mile programme.