18/05/04 - Cabinet opens the door for Alleygates

Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet today agreed a way forward to introduce Alleygates in areas where local communities want them. The decision encourages positive measures to prevent and reduce crime. The council’s six local committees will finally decide after detailed consultation with local communities and other agencies. 

County Councillor Kevan Wilkinson, highways and infrastructure spokesman explains:  

“There is a clear desire in parts of Barrow and Carlisle for Alleygates, the public want them and there is a way forward. Reducing crime and the fear of crime is high on our list of priorities and Alleygates can play an important part in some areas of the county. As it stands the legislation isn’t perfect but with local determination today’s decision will let us meet the wishes of local communities.”

The Council’s Cabinet supports Alleygates as a crime reduction measure. The proposal agreed by Cabinet today overcomes the need to keep the “highway” open. It is lengthy but without a change in the law is the only way ahead. It follows consultation with the council’s six local committees. The process can take a number of years and is dependent on the nature of the existing right of way. Alleygates have been introduced successfully in Merseyside using this approach.