"If Calderdale Council won’t take action, it’s up to the community to do so" - Acapulco nightclub conduct clean-up of rubbish, fly-tipping and drug-related debris in Halifax town centre

The nightclub’s management say they have seen the town they call home fall into a state of disrepair in recent years, with overflowing bins, the presence of rats, and the unsightly debris left behind by drug users becoming increasingly common sights.

This all came to a head when customers saw rats running around the streets.

The club say they have reached out to the Calderdale Council and were told “the council don’t deal with surface rats". The club then approached Halifax MP Holly Lynch, who contacted the council and was told they would contact the Acapulco. But the club say they are still waiting to hear from the council.

The nightclub’s management say they have been informed that the council’s pest control department, responsible for addressing many of these concerns, has been suspended.

Instead, staff from the club have taken matters into their own hands, inspired by a YouTube video that showcased both the beauty of Halifax’s historic sandstone buildings and the Piece Hall, and the stark contrast presented by some of the town’s litter-strewn streets and signs of drug use.

Staff initiated a clean-up effort and over the course of several days, have removed rubbish, fly tipping and drug-related debris, filling a sizable trailer with waste.

The club’s owner Simon Jackson said: “We’re now calling on other local businesses to join us in our mission to rejuvenate Halifax town centre.

"Through a collective effort, the community and local businesses can make a significant difference in restoring the cleanliness and beauty of the town and attract more visitors to the town centre and make a difference to the town when the council really doesn’t seem to care.

"It is a clear demonstration of local pride and a refusal to accept the status quo. Our efforts to clean up the local area sends a strong message to other businesses and residents alike: if Calderdale Council won’t take action, it’s up to the community to do so.”

Just over four tons of rubbish were collected by the Acapulco team, who came in during their own time to help with the clean-up. The cost of disposing of the rubbish was excess of £500, which the club have paid themselves.

Calderdale Council have been contacted for a comment.