Leeds, England — Residents near a popular pub crawl route are advocating for the recognition of the Otley Run as an official event to enhance safety measures following a recent crossbow attack that injured two women. The incident, which occurred on April 26, has reignited concerns about crowd control among local residents and officials alike.
The victims, aged 19 and 31, have since recovered and been discharged from the hospital. Local community members gathered on Thursday night to address safety issues, emphasizing the need for stricter crowd management at the event, which attracts approximately 4,000 people each weekend.
Dale Ellis, a local resident, expressed growing frustration with visitor behavior, describing it as “progressively getting worse.” The Otley Run, which spans three miles and includes 19 pubs, has been a fixture in the area for decades, often drawing party-goers dressed in costumes. However, after the violent incident last month, residents are increasingly concerned about public safety and the accessibility of dangerous items like crossbows.
During the meeting at St. Michael Church, residents discussed the necessity for added police presence. According to Insp. Carl Robinson of West Yorkshire Police, a minimum of one police officer and one community support officer are assigned to the route every weekend. However, community members feel this is inadequate. “We’ve been told we have two police officers for 4,000 people,” Ellis remarked, voicing her disbelief at the numbers.
Concerns about the effects of the pub crawl are not confined to safety alone. Local residents frequently deal with excessive noise, littering, and crowds obstructing sidewalks. Lesley Jeffries, another affected resident, noted that she often avoids errands on Saturdays due to disruptive behaviors, sharing that she doesn’t want to risk being bumped or shoved while navigating the chaos.
Community leaders are considering implications for local businesses and the potential for requiring them to contribute to policing costs. MP Alex Sobel highlighted that while businesses benefit financially from the surge in visitors, they also have a role in ensuring safety. “What would be best is if the pubs themselves voluntarily started to pay into a fund,” he suggested, indicating that a small contribution from the seventeen establishments along the route could support adequate safety measures.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor acknowledged that the recent attack should not be blamed on local venues, emphasizing the need for accountability while also advocating for improvements in how safety is managed during the Otley Run. As discussions continue, residents hope official recognition of the event could pave the way for enhanced regulations to protect both participants and the community.
The ongoing conversation about the Otley Run underscores the need for a balance between celebration and safety, as officials and citizens alike seek solutions that address both concerns effectively.