Views sought on Headingley's takeaways

8.18.00pm GMT Mon 8th Jan 2007

Headingley residents are being given the opportunity to provide evidence on the problems caused by takeaways in their area. This evidence will be used to assess whether a cumulative impact policy on late night eateries should be introduced in Headingley, with a view to restricting the development of more takeaways and their late opening.

Councillor James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "The concentration of takeaways in Headingley is higher than any other area in the city. As a result the area experiences a large influx of people from all over the city after a night out, which causes high levels of anti social behaviour."

Councillor Monaghan added, "I receive many complaints from local residents who have been woken late at night by taxis honking their horns outside takeaways, rowdy behaviour from people walking home from takeaways and in some cases food being thrown at their doors and windows. This can be very upsetting to some of our elderly residents and is totally unacceptable."

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) stated, "The government's new licensing laws have prompted many late night eateries in Headingley to apply for licences to operate until 5am. We believe this is far later than is acceptable in what is essentially a residential area."

Councillor Hamilton stated, "We would like residents who have been affected by late night refreshment establishments to contact Kate Sibson at the North West Area Management Team to request a questionnaire to provide detailed evidence of the issues that have arisen."