Residents invited to have their say on the future of Ravensthorpe as part of major police programme to improve the area
More than 50 arrests have been made in a major programme to improve a Dewsbury community.
Ravensthorpe residents are now being invited to meet Kirklees Police and partners to have their say on the future of the community at a special event at the Greenwood Centre on Wednesday, November 4, from 6-8pm to mark the next phase of the “Clear, Hold, Build” programme.
“Clear, Hold, Build” is a framework developed by the Home Office to help police forces tackle serious and organised crime.
It is designed to reclaim and rebuild neighbourhoods affected by organised crime, make areas safer and increase public confidence in the police and partner agencies.
A series of operations and improvement programmes have been ongoing in Ravensthorpe since early this year in what is the second “Clear, Hold, Build” in the Kirklees district.
Since April 2026, officers have carried out several days of action, including six warrants targeting premises suspected of being involved in criminality.
During this period, 55 arrests have been made, drugs have been seized and more than £50,000 of illicit goods recovered by partners at West Yorkshire Trading Standards.
Alongside disrupting serious organised crime, the team has been targeting road safety in the area, resulting in 24 uninsured cars being taken off the road.
Inspector Amanda Holroyd, of Kirklees Police, said: “‘Clear, Hold, Build’ is a proven concept which has had a big impact when used elsewhere in Kirklees and we have been delighted to launch our latest initiative in Ravensthorpe.
“The scheme allows us, Kirklees Council and partners to marshal the resources we need to really focus on key issues affecting residents, be they crime or environment related, and then tackle them.
“The initial phase of our Ravensthorpe work has focused on targeting organised criminals operating in the area, resulting in multiple arrests, drugs seizures and ongoing prosecutions.
“We have been speaking with residents and listening to their concerns, resulting in a number of other initiatives including multiple operations to address dangerous driving.”
She encouraged residents to attend next week’s meeting, adding: “We now need to hear more from communities about the long term change they want to see here in Ravensthorpe.
“By working together we aim to bring lasting improvement to the area.”
Coun Mark Smith, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We’re absolutely clear that our priorities include making Kirklees safer for everyone, getting the basics right, promoting civic pride and putting residents first.
“We want all Kirklees communities to be safe and vibrant. This can be achieved by working closely with partners including West Yorkshire Police, strongly addressing crime and anti-social behaviour by making sure there is effective enforcement activity.
“‘Clear, Hold, Build’ supports that ambition by bringing the council, police and partners together to take co-ordinated action in the places where it is needed most.
“We want residents to see and feel a difference in their neighbourhoods. By working together in Ravensthorpe, we are creating lasting improvements for local people.”
Chris Bell, Assistant District Commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Nitrous oxide misuse, anti-social behaviour and deliberate fires can have a significant impact on local communities.
“Through the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ programme, partners are working together to tackle these issues through enforcement, prevention and engagement, supporting Vision Zero and helping to create safer, more resilient communities.”