New 'community hub' including foodbank and uniform exchange opens its doors in Harehills
The Fusion 8 Community Hub on Bexley Road is a neutral space for residents to speak with local police officers
A brand new community centre has opened its doors in Harehills, Leeds, as part of efforts to improve trust between local people and police.
The Fusion 8 Community Hub on Bexley Road is a neutral space for residents to speak with local police officers, whilst also serving as a contact point for the local council, a food and hygiene bank and a school uniform exchange.
It's largely been funded through cash seized from criminals and has brought a formerly derelict building back to life.
It's part of winder work across Harehills to tackle organised crime and built trust, especially in the wake of widespread disorder last summer.
Inspector Richard Neeves from West Yorkshire Police said: “Since March 2023 we have been carrying out a proactive campaign of action to disrupt and dismantle organised criminality in the Harehills area, taking millions of pounds worth of drugs off the streets.
“We continue to work closely with our partner agencies to disrupt criminality, whilst also engaging and empowering the local community to help build lasting improvements.
“By creating a space for people to talk to officers and get practical, everyday support we hope to continue building our relationship with the local community.
"Their support is vital to the success of Clear, Hold, Build and I encourage people to get involved to make use of this new resource.”
Cllr Salma Arif, who chairs the CommUnity Harehills Partnership, said: “It is absolutely magnificent to see this building open in the heart of Harehills.
"This is what we wanted to achieve with Clear Hold Build, we wanted tangible results and this building means that local residents have access three days a week to local police as well as a foodbank, kit exchange and hopefully more will follow.
“This is what Clear Hold Build is all about and it is real partnership in the making.”