Plans to close multiple crime-ridden alleyways will be moving forward by Ashfield District Council. After a public consultation on the proposals to restrict access to the nuisance alleyways, the council agreed during its cabinet meeting today (January 24) that it would be going ahead with the plans.
A total of eight alleyways are set to have access restricted and gates installed under a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour. More than 550 responses were received during the consultation, of which 486 were in favour of the plans.
Councillor 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.
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"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." Through the consultation it was found that most of the support being given was for the closure of the land between Bentinck Street and Bramley Court, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
From that alleyway alone, there have been 165 recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour, nuisance motorbikes and criminal damage to fences. Some of the other alleyways in Sutton-in-Ashfield set to be closed include the land between Bramley Court and Sutton Lawn, Welbeck Street and Portland Close, and the land between Downing Street and North Street.
The alleyway at the rear of 34-37 Rockwood Walk, Hucknall, is also set to have access restricted, as will the ones between Spruce Grove and Beacon Drive, Spruce Grove and Poplar Avenue, and adjacent to Rosewood Drive, all in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The new order means that any person who is found entering the alleyways can be handed a fine of £100. The plans will be heard at a full council meeting on February 2 where a formal decision will be made.
Antonio Taylor, community safety manager of Ashfield District Council, said: “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."
Nottinghamshire 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."
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