Council to extend ‘alleygates’ scheme in crime fight

Gating orders were introduced so that highways could be temporarily closed to help tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and other problems such as flytipping.

Under the scheme – known as alleygating – Leeds currently has 28 orders covering 79 alleygates.

Orders have to be reconsidered every year and following the latest review the council has decided to keep all the gates in place.

A council report said figures for all the alleygate locations showed that total crime fell by five per cent, with burglaries down by 18.5 per cent.

A survey found that 96 per cent of householders affected by gating orders were in favour of them staying.

A managed key system is in place for residents and others, such as the emergency services, who may need access to the closed off routes.

The decision to keep the orders in place has been welcomed by Coun Andrew Carter (Con, Calverley and Farsley) who said: “When we began installing these alley gates in 2007 we noticed that they had an immediate effect in reducing crime, particularly burglary and other acquisitive crimes, and preventing criminals and yobs from running riot in our neighbourhoods and communities.

“I hope that alleygates continue to make people feel safer. However, I would encourage the council to ensure that when refuse vehicles and other vehicles use these streets that they are reminded to close and lock the gates when they leave, otherwise the gates will bring reduced benefits.”

And plans are being drawn up to introduce another gating order for the area between Tingley Crescent and the A650 Tingley Common.

A council report said residents in the area had complained
about crime and anti-social behaviour and, along with councillors, have been campaigning for the closure of the Tingley Crescent footpath.

Now the council’s outer south area committee has agreed to provide £3,700 for the gating scheme.

The report said an alternative route was available with little extra walking distance, meaning security in the area could be improved without causing any significant inconvenience.

Gating is regarded as successful because it prevents criminals from easily accessing areas which are out of view from the street.