Rochdale town centre. Image courtesy of Google Maps Councillors have called for a crackdown on a ‘criminal element’ allegedly behind an increase in street begging and anti-social behaviour in Rochdale town centre. Hotspots are said to include The Walk, Baillie Street and various high street banks. The problem is understood to have become so serious a number of businesses are considering moving elsewhere. Some have linked it to the Broadfield Park Hotel, which was used as emergency accommodation for those at risk of homelessness during the pandemic. However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the building has not been used for this purpose since December and is currently empty.