Huddersfield hits back at ‘very rowdy’ bus station dubbed ‘scary place’

Public transport users have shared their experiences of using Huddersfield bus station amid claims it is ‘very rowdy’ and sometimes a ‘scary place’.

However, not everyone finds the bus station an intimidating place, with some passengers saying they have never seen any problems.

Yorkshire Live readers responded to our story where young people described ‘atrocious’ and ‘disgusting’ behaviour, including begging, urinating, fighting, people carrying knives, drunken behaviour, cannabis smoking and “people acting like gangsters”.

Read more: Huddersfield speeding hotspot as more than 2,000 drivers caught out

Earlier this month a police crackdown at the bus station led to the seizure of weapons, drugs and alcohol.

Readers shared their experiences of the bus station on the Yorkshire Live Facebook page.

Jayne Holroyd said: “It can be very rowdy in the bus station, but I personally have not witnessed drug use or people urinating, that is not to say it does not happen. I have experienced people approaching passengers asking for money, once even when I was on the bus, a person got on and asked the bus driver for money.

“There are a lot of youngsters (not all) who think the seats on any stand are for them to sit and socialise. No respect for older bus station users, who often have to stand as they do not give up their seats.

“And as for queuing and waiting their turn they just push their way to the front, whilst elderly people are left struggling with their heavy bags etc.”

Jackie Bates posted: “I use it most days, never seen anything.”

Ashley Almond said: “I use it weekly, nothing ever happens to be honest.”

Dan Crawshaw wrote: “For once I agree, with you, if you’re an older person it can be a scary place.”

Bill Bates said: “Disgraceful. The Police should have a purge on the place. Arrest those distributing or using drugs, arrest and lock up (for at least five years) anyone carrying a knife or weapon, before they have the chance to use it, and , wreck a family’s life; and issue fixed penalty notices for at least £500 for others, regardless of age, causing anti social behaviour.

“It’s time normal law abiding people should be able to use the bus station for catching and getting off buses and the bus station staff should be protected from these yobs.

“There needs to be a curfew for anyone not using the bus station for its actual intended use, and, those using the buses to cause anti social behavior either on the buses themselves or at their destinations.

“We need to be strict. Say ‘NO! We’ve had enough!’ And claim back out streets so ordinary people can go about their normal business in a safe manner.”

Kevin Pollard: added: “You should have seen it in the seventies and eighties when the pubs shut early and everyone was there for the last bus!”

Kate Warwick posted: “Security are rubbish, don’t do anything. Kids constantly causing problems.”

Other readers shared their opinions on the Yorkshire Live home page.

Reader Hudds69 posted: “Avoid Huddersfield town center at any cost, it’s not safe anymore. Doing all my shops far from town, safer and cleaner.”

And reader SpringwoodJack claimed: “When the police can’t crack down on anti social behavior not 200 yards from the police station you know the town is dead and no-one can be bothered to do anything. It’s not a lack of money it’s a couldn’t that less attitude by the people who decide on policing priorities.”

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