Would you like to see an alley-gate scheme in your neighbourhood?

Residents in Blackburn with Darwen are being asked to put forward areas to be considered for a new crime prevention initiative.

Alleys, ginnels or walkways are useful for residents to access the rear of their properties or as short cuts – but they are also used for crime and anti social behaviour.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has already identified areas in the borough to become pilots for the first alley gates and these will be installed shortly

The lockable gate at the entrance to an alley or walkway restricts access to householders who have a key. (picture for illustration purposes only)

Before a decision is made on whether an alley gate will be installed, the proposed areas will be looked at in more detail.

A 28 day statutory consultation will be held and residents directly affected by the scheme will also be contacted, before a final decision is made. All householders affected by the scheme are entitled to a key at a cost of £10.00

If the area is not found to be suitable, alternatives measures will be looked at to address the problems being suffered by local residents.

The Blackburn with Darwen community gating project was set up following a recommendation by councillors to address concerns about domestic burglaries, anti-social behaviour, deliberate fire setting as well as significant fly-tipping in some areas of the borough.

Local councils have been given powers to make “gating orders” where it can be shown that problems of persistent crime and anti social behaviour are made worse by a right of way remaining open.

If you think a scheme would be suitable in your area, contact your local councillor, shared neighbourhood team or the gating co-ordinator on (01254) 585784.