By Gary Lemal
The spring meeting of the Westroyd Neighbourhood Watch in Pudsey was held on Thursday evening and was chaired by Tom Spikings of PDS Windows.
The meeting was well-attended by local residents and featured input from two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), who provided updates on local crime statistics.
A major topic of concern was the disruptive presence of off-road motorcycles in the valley area.
Residents expressed distress regarding the persistent noise and the danger posed to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders on public paths.
It was clarified that while routes such as Smalewell Road leading to Tyersal Lane and Scholebroke Lane, are classified as legal highways, all vehicles using them must be road-legal. This includes having a valid MOT certificate, insurance and a licensed rider.
Councillor Trish Smith provided further information regarding a field in Tyersal that is being used frequently by off-road motorcycles and quad bikes.
Usage typically begins mid-afternoon and continues until near dusk, often resulting in considerable noise. Although the activity potentially diverts bikes away from the woods, several issues were highlighted:
    •    The site lacks a licence for motorsport use.
    •    Pedestrian safety is at risk due to unregulated access.
    •    There appears to be no health and safety oversight for the users.
    •    No restrictions exist regarding the times the field is used.
The discussion also covered additional local matters, including concerns about parking and restricted sight lines when exiting Smalewell Road onto Greenside.
Although outside the group’s core area, the problematic junction of Kent Road and Valley Road was mentioned, alongside ongoing issues with a recurring pothole caused by a collapsed drain. Councillor Smith noted that remedial works were being considered.
Vice-chair Mrs Fiz Lemal updated attendees on works being undertaken by Yorkshire Water in the valley. These improvements are aimed at reducing stormwater overflows during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Chairman Mr Spikings concluded the meeting with a presentation on burglary statistics and home security. He shared the following key points:
    •    64% of burglaries occur while someone is at home.
    •    34% involve the burglar coming face-to-face with the homeowner.
    •    A burglary takes place every 40 seconds in the UK.
    •    A standard lock can be broken in as little as nine seconds.
    •    The majority of burglaries occur between 12pm and 4pm.
    •    76% of burglars enter through the door, often opportunistically.
Mr Spikings advised that residents consider upgrading to more secure locks and, when replacing Euro-type locks, to choose models with a horizontal key position.
The meeting was held in the table tennis room beneath the Pudsey Bowling Club on Windmill Hill, just off Smalewell Road.
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