Alleygates lock criminals out

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 20th Jun 2009

Residents in Castleton are looking forward to enjoying a safer summer thanks to new alleygates that have been installed to the end of their streets by Rochdale Borough Council, locking criminals out and happiness in.

Forty-five houses on St Martins Street and Newchurch Street have been secured by three, 2 metre high, steel gates, that have proven successful in reducing antisocial behaviour, burglaries and criminal damage in other areas.

Local resident and street representative, Rachel Andrews, said: "I'm really glad the gates are up - everyone feels so much safer and happier. As parents we can now let our kids play out without worrying and our property is better protected."

Residents were fed-up with congregating youths being noisy and looking intimidating. The alleyway behind the houses was attracting antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping. Proactive resident Rachel Andrew turned to the council for help.

Yvonne Bennett, Assistant Burglary Reduction Officer assessed the streets and proposed that alleygates would be a viable solution to end some of the problems residents' were experiencing. The gates gained support from every household on the street, a requirement needed for the gates to be erected.

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for community safety for Rochdale Borough Council, said: "Alleygates are a simple but very effective way of reducing crime and improving the quality of life for whole communities. The gates help residents feel safer and happier in their own homes. I'm pleased that the council is committed to improving community safety by funding important schemes such as Alleygating."