Bradford Council asking to be a focus area in national inquiry into grooming gangs
A decision on which areas will be looked into is due in the next few weeks
The new leader of Bradford Council has written to Chair of the national inquiry into grooming gangs - asking for the city and wider area including Keighley to be in included as one of the five focus areas.
Councillor Stephen Place says it's the first time this kind of request has been made.
A decision on which areas will be looked at in more detail by Baroness Longfield is expected to be revealed in th coming weeks.
Bradford Council statement on grooming gang inquiry:
"Child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs has been a big concern in the Bradford district for many years, and there have been many calls for a formal inquiry.
"A national inquiry into grooming gangs is now being set up, led by Baroness Longfield. As part of this work, she will choose five areas across the country to look at in more detail.
"On 21 May, Councillor Stephen Place, the new Leader of Bradford Council, wrote to the inquiry asking that Bradford and the wider area, including Keighley, be included in the enquiry as one of the five focus areas.
"This is the first time a Bradford Council leader has made such a specific request. A decision on the five areas is expected in the coming weeks.
"It is important that survivors are able to have their voices heard. This issue must be looked at carefully and sensitively, so there is a clear understanding of what has happened over many years."