A PLEA for better safety in Mirfield came today from the town’s MP.
Shahid Malik’s call for action came in the wake of the tragic killing of 22-year-old Ross Wood last weekend.
Ross, a well-known footballer with local teams, died hours after being attacked in Huddersfield Road.
Now Dewsbury MP Mr Malik has raised concerns about yobbish behaviour in Mirfield and revealed that the town needs a CCTV system installing.
Mr Malik said he will be raising the issue with the new senior police officer in charge of neighbourhood policing in Kirklees, Chief Insp Vince Firth.
He said: “I will be speaking to him about the need to reassure the public in Mirfield, many of whom have expressed concern about what they see as yob behaviour in the evening in the town centre.
“In this respect I will also be speaking to Kirklees Council about installing CCTV in Mirfield town centre, both as a deterrent and also to assist the police in prosecutions and ultimately to give a greater sense of safety to the local community.’’
Ross, a talented footballer, played on Saturdays for Horbury Town and on Sundays for Mirfield Town where he was club captain.
Sunday’s fixture between Mirfield and Overthorpe has been postponed as a mark of respect to him.
Team manager Gordon Young said there was no way the team could even think about playing.
He said: “Ross was a great footballer and a remarkable person which is why he was the club captain.
“Almost the entire team is made up of players aged 21 to 23 and most of them have known one another since they started school. We won’t be playing this Sunday and it will be exceptionally hard for the players to face the next game without Ross.
“They are all so close. This team is like a band of brothers.’’
Dozens of people have been laying flowers in Ross’ memory outside Mirfield Library.
He lived in nearby Trinity Street with his parents and sisters.
Tributes have also flooded in to social networking sites and on the Gonetoosoon website, set up by Examiner columnist Terry George.
On one site, Ross’s sister Ashlea pays an emotional tribute to him.
She said:
“I know that’s how much I really will have meant to you, that you’d be there for me till death do us part.
“The pain inside is unbelievable.
“Please keep me strong because I don’t think I will cope otherwise.
“Just do me one last favour Ross and look after the rest of the family and help keep us all strong.
“Also help your mates too, especially the lads, because they’re all heartbroken.”
And his mother Sam added: “We’re all united for you Ross, looking after each other and making no fuss just how you would want it.
“My blue-eyed boy, I would give everything I own to have you back again.”
Police have confirmed action will be taken.
Chief Supt Barry South, Divisional Commander for Kirklees, said: “Clearly our thoughts are with Ross Wood’s family.
“I have been in discussions with Clr Khizar Iqbal, head of community safety for Kirklees Council, and we have agreed to get together key agencies to look at the specific issues in Mirfield, and these plans have been in place for two weeks.
“I have been in touch with the three local councillors to ensure any specific issues are addressed.”
