A city in the north west has taken to gating off multiple alleyways in a bid to tackle crime in the area.
Preston City Council has installed a series of alley gates in various areas, with space protection orders imposed. These orders stop people from entering the alleyways unless they need access to their own properties.
Members of the emergency services are also allowed access through the gates, which are otherwise locked, to deal with an incident or help a patient.
As part of a three-year review, Preston City Council has decided to establish whether or not the alley gates should be removed. The last review was in 2020.
Blog Preston reported that the majority of the gates are in the Deepdale, St Matthews, Fishwick, Ashton-on-Ribble, Avenham, Frenchwood, and Plungington areas.
In a statement, the cabinet member for environment and community safety Freddie Bailey said they had been effective at combating crime.
He said: “Alley gating has been an effective tool to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour and criminality, with a partnership approach between the police, local authorities, and the community.”
Mr Bailey added: “Installing gates to the ends of back streets and alleyways provides a safe and clean environment for residents by securing previously vulnerable areas.
“It is now important that we gather views on the continued use of alley gates in Preston and the Public Spaces Protection Orders.”
The consultation will assess whether any changes need to be made to gates or whether they should be removed entirely.
