Eight crime-ridden alleyways to be closed
At today’s Cabinet meeting it was agreed to move forward with plans to close eight crime-ridden alleyways in Ashfield following resident support.
Ashfield District Council held a public consultation on the plans to gate and restrict access to eight alleyways, under a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), that have become a hotbed for anti-social and criminal behaviour. Out of the 552 responses to the consultation, an overwhelming majority of 486 were in favour of the Council’s plans.
The land between Bentinck Street and Bramley Court, Sutton, received the most support for the closure. Records show that 165 incidents of anti-social behaviour, motorbikes, and criminal damage to fences have been reported from that alleyway alone.
The other alleyways that were consulted on are:
- Between Downing Street and North Street, Sutton
- Between Welbeck Street and Portland Close, Sutton
- Between Bramley Court and Sutton Lawn, Sutton
- Rear of 34-37 Rockwood Walk, Hucknall
- Between Spruce Grove and Beacon Drive, Kirkby
- Adjacent 40 Rosewood Drive, Kirkby
- Between Spruce Grove and Poplar Avenue, Kirkby
Under the proposed PSPO, any person found entering the alleyways would be handed a Fixed Penalty Notice fine of £100.
The plans will now be heard at full Council on 2 February where the formal decision will be made to close the eight alleyways.
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Executive Lead Member for Community Safety and Crime Reduction, said:
“Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation. The results are extremely clear that residents support our plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“The gating of these alleyways will improve the lives of the residents who live near and around these anti-social behaviour hotspots. The amount of responses to the consultation demonstrate how necessary it is to restrict access to these alleyways that cause misery to residents. The Council is committed to making a difference to feelings of safety in Ashfield and we are glad to see that residents agree with our plans.
“We have listened to what residents wanted and now we are acting upon their comments.”
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager of Ashfield District Council, added:
“PSPOs are an important instrument to deal with persistent issues that are damaging our communities and make sure our public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour.
“Ashfield is seeing major economic growth and investment and, as part of this, we want to see the District continue to remain an attractive, welcoming place for all our residents and visitors.”
The three gating orders in Kirkby-in-Ashfield have been funded through the Home Office’s Safer Streets scheme, secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and delivered in partnership with Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police. The gating order in Hucknall is also funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said:
“I am delighted to support Ashfield District Council’s plans to tackle anti-social behaviour and help residents, business owners and visitors feel safer.
“By working in partnership on projects like these gating orders we can have a big impact on the issues that matter to local people.”
