Alleyway railings spark protests in Caistor

22/09/2009

The installation of wrought iron railings and a locked gate over one of the oldest alleyways in Caistor has caused controversy among local residents.

Railings and a gate have been erected by the local council across the alleyway running from the Buttermarket to Plough Hill, alongside the historic building Sessions House, the Market Raysen Mail reports.

The measures were designed to decrease complaints of antisocial behaviour in the area but local people claim they are being prevented from using an alleyway that has been open to Caistor people for hundreds of years.

"Caistor is a town full of nooks and crannies, old alleyways and rights of way," South Street resident Muriel Smith told the paper.

"These help to give Caistor the market town character we all so love."

It follows reports in Derry Today that hardline republicans in Northern Ireland have gone to extreme measures to remove gates in Bogside, using angle grinders and saws to get rid of them.