Alley gating
Closures help cut crime
Published: Monday 9 February 2004
New powers to divert or close alleyways to prevent crimes like burglary and drug dealing have been given to another nine local authorities.
These join the 11 local authorities that were granted the powers last July, bringing the total to 20 authorities, covering 72 areas in England. All have provided evidence to the government that closing certain rights of way would reduce crime.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said that closing the alleyways where criminals and thugs hang around is an important first step in helping to rid communities of intimidating and criminal behaviour.
'These powers, alongside record numbers of police officers and community support officers, will help police tackle the anti-social behaviour that makes life a misery for so many in our communities.'
The powers came into force a year ago following longstanding criticism that back-alleys on some housing estates can provide easy access to houses for burglars or provide a sheltered haven for drug dealing, while no longer being used as useful routes for the local community.
Local authorities must, however, back up their application to close alleys with evidence that it will cut crime. This helps to address concerns that the new powers might be misused - for example to remove rights of way in rural areas.
The latest successful applications were from Brighton and Hove, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Oldham, York, Swale and the Wirral. Applications from two authorities (Hillingdon and Leeds) were deferred to give them the opportunity to provide the required level of evidence.
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