Alley gates 'needed to stop crime in York'

29/10/2009

People living in some areas of York are waiting to see whether they will receive alley gates in order to cut down on vandalism, crime and drink-related problems.

Residents of Westfield and Dringhouses have signed petitions calling for local authorities to provide them with gates in areas that have become hotspots for fostering antisocial behaviour, the York Press reports.

Problems include people drinking or taking drugs in alleyways, throwing objects at cars and windows and noise nuisance.

However, North Yorkshire Police's architectural liaison officer Jim Shanks believes the problems are not serious enough to warrant the erection of gates.

"Gating projects are our greatest benefit in respect of closing off communal access rear alleyways, rather than through routes," he told the paper.

The news follows reports in the Bootle Times that frustrated residents of Olivia Street are still waiting for alley gates due to a council dispute over which authority is responsible for the area.