We live in Britain’s first legalised Red Light District – here’s the dark reality
RESIDENTS who live in Britain’s first legalised Red Light District have opened up on the dark reality within.
Holbeck in Leeds was the country’s only “managed” area for sex workers until the scheme was recently shut down.
But that has not stopped prostitutes plying their trade on the streets of the town and nearby areas.
And it’s left some residents too terrified to walk on the roads they call home.
Resident Tina Head, 50, who lives opposite Holbeck Park in a new-build property, said: “I have been followed home several times by men looking for sex.
“One time, not so long ago, I was followed by man in a car as I walked back from the Kasa convenience shop. I was terrified. I messaged my husband for help.”
The mum-of-six added: “I have adult girls and I’m worried when they go out. It is not safe.
“Since the official red light area was officially finished the problem of prostitution in the area has not gone away.
“In fact, it’s worse because now the police are not doing anything about it and the girls are working all day, from early in the morning and lunchtime, in broad daylight.
“The girls come to my door asking for cigs or they are hanging around the park where there are kids playing.”
Locals also claim that the prostitution problems have affected reputable businesses in the area.
And some believe that the problems are not only here to stay, but are set to get worse.
The owner of Christine’s Cafe and Deliveries, who didn’t wish to give her full name, said: “I don’t think the problem will ever go away.
“The police don’t do anything about it. You can clearly pick the working girls out and the police drive straight by them.
“If I see the prostitutes I tell them ‘go away’ because they are not good for business.”
She continued: “Who wants to be asked if they want sex, or ‘business’ when they are trying to enjoy their breakfast?
“Summer is on the way and the problem is going to double, we’ll have twice the number of girls working round here.”
The owner said there is a dedicated ‘Batphone’ to the police to report the girls, but it is never answered.
She added: “It just rings and rings and rings and the girls are allowed to continue working, and it attracts all the dregs.”
‘NOTHING GETS DONE’
Homeowner Marie, 45, has lived in the area for nine years and said the reality is that their town is now completely blighted by prostitution.
Marie said: “The yard next to my house is littered with used condoms and needles and empty drinks cans, and it is me who has to tidy up after them.
“They are at it every night, there is screaming and shouting.
“And they are looking for business during the day as well…hanging round the shops waiting for punters to pick them up.
“I’ve stopped reporting it to the police now, because nothing gets done about it.”
While Dennis Kitchen, 78, chair of the Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum, which campaigned for the managed area to be scrapped, said: “Local people are now trying to discourage kerb crawlers by naming and shaming them by posting their photos and cars online.
“These men are approaching girls and women who are not prostitutes.
“The problem is also drifting away from Holbeck to different areas.”