Wakefield bank to get security upgrade over anti-social behaviour concerns
A bank plans to carry out a security upgrade after raising concerns about a rise in anti-social behaviour near to its premises in Wakefield city centre.
NatWest previously said its Westgate branch was “no longer regarded as safe.”
Wakefield Council has given the go-ahead to the scheme, which involves erecting fencing around the perimeter of the staff car park.
Original plans also included installing a security cage around an external staircase but it was later removed from the application following an objection from Wakefield Civic Society.
The society said it would create a “discordant feature” at the Grade II-listed building.
The council’s conservation officer also called for the scheme to be amended to ensure the building’s “character and appearance” was preserved.
A statement submitted by Crest Engineering on behalf of the bank said it wanted to improve safety around the premises as it had “become an area for increasing events of anti-social behaviour and drug use within Wakefield.”
The document added: “These events have resulted in the rear car park and emergency egress routes no longer being regarded as safe and therefore NatWest Bank has deemed it necessary to propose the introduction a boundary fence and cage system, to ensure the safety and security of the rear of their site.
“It is believed that the proposed security measures are justified within the context of a Grade II listed building and the Upper Westgate conservation area, when considering public safety.”
The council previously allowed the bank to install security fencing on a flat roof to the rear of the building.