Residents are thrilled over council plans to close nuisance alleyways in a bid to tackle crime. Ashfield District Council has proposed the closure of several alleyways across the district, including those that allow access on to Sutton Lawn between Bentinck Street and Bramley Court, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
According to residents, people have been causing problems and committing crimes in the footpaths for a number of years. The council is proposing a Public Spaces Protection Order, which is intended to restrict public access in the alleyways.
The orders are designed to ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing anti-social behaviour. Residents can have their say on the proposed action until January 5, and if they back the plans a total of eight alleyways will be closed or have access restricted across Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton.
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Councillor David Hennigan, who represents Sutton Central and New Cross on the council, said: "These closures will positively improve the quality of lives for hundreds of residents. We are asking residents to have their say. Please don’t leave it to others.
"In my view, these closures are vital as the alleyways are well-known for attracting anti-social behaviour and attracting criminals. We have worked with the council’s community protection team, the police and residents to provide the evidential base to justify these proposed changes.
"We don’t want to be a council that restricts access to anyone but these alleyways need shutting to protect residents. The consultation takes two minutes to complete but your help will help others living in unacceptable conditions."
Carer Jayne Carrington, 65, who lives close to Sutton Lawn, said: "We have lived here right from the beginning when the houses were brand new and it has always been a problem with anti-social behaviour, littering and dog mess. It's been horrendous, and there's been motorbikes coming up and down.
"It's shocking." When asked her thoughts on the council's plans, she said: "We are very much for it.
"I would say it's got worse in recent years, as it's a bit of an escape route for those who don't want to be caught. It's not the police's fault they don't know which way to go to catch them, it's like a rabbit warren."
She added: "There's this one and then there's that one in the next court and then there is one that goes up at the side of a bungalow and that goes all the way across." One resident, who didn’t want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "Living close to one of these dodgy alleyways has made our lives a misery.
"I’ve had damage to my property and witnessed drug dealing and rampant criminality. Councillors Samantha Deakin and David Hennigan promised to do something to help. I am so pleased that it looks like our alleyways will be shut once and for all."
When asked her thoughts on anti-social behaviour in the area, retired Christine Griffiths, 70, said: "There's been a lot over the years. It will be nice if they shut the paths down as people walk through and cause trouble.
"It will make it feel safer for everyone. There were too many footpaths built here in the first place."
She added: "It is like a rabbit warren and that's the problem with it." A 69-year-old retired resident, who did not wish to be named, said he has to deal with anti-social behaviour "all the time." He explained: "There are motorbikes going up and down here and drug dealing.
"It is good if they are closing it." A 55-year-old resident added: "I think it would be a good idea for the area.
"I haven't seen the motorbikes, but I have been told about it. It's awful." Retired Lynn Walker, 71, said: "It's a very good idea."
Lynn has lived in her home for a number of years and has noticed anti-social behaviour, as well as people leaving dog mess and littering. She added: "When we had a car round at the back of the house, every window was smashed one morning.
"To have these footpaths closed would just be great. It's got worse in recent years definitely."
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We usually have issues with all the dog mess."
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