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Alley gating

Alley gating is an effective deterrent against Burglars.

What is Alley gating?

'Alley-Gating' is a very simple way of preventing crime by using steel, self locking gates on private alley-ways (those belonging to the home owners around them).

In addition to reducing the levels of burglaries, they can help:-

Reduce opportunities for youths to cause annoyance - e.g. drinking in the alleys and taking drugs.
Reduce dog fouling from strays
Create safe play areas for children
Improve community spirit, giving a sense of ownership of the alleys

After the success of our pilot project in in 05/06 we are continuing the scheme again this financial year 06/07. Applications are always welcome from groups of residents interested in making their local environment more secure.

How to apply

To apply and create a successful 'alley-gating' scheme:

Contact us for more information or to request an application for grant funding form.
Check that the alleyway is not a public right of way. We do not gate public rights of way through the CDRP.
Obtain signatures from everyone affected by the alley, to indicate they approve of the gates.
- This ensures no-one can claim that they were not in agreement.
Once the gates have been installed, send the invoice to us. If the work is satisfactory we will send you a cheque (made payable to the contractor).
You should request a few extra sets of keys, in case neighbours move and forget to leave their keys behind for the next resident.
Agree a system for wheelie-bin management with your neighbours.
- All bins must be placed outside of the gates on the day of collection and returned once they have been emptied.
- Consideration should also be given to the elderly and disabled who may struggle to move their bins. Arrangements should be made between residents to help in these cases.
You should consider creating an on-going maintenance fund for the gates as responsibility for repair and maintenance lies with the residents - who contribute a few pounds per year, to be placed in a shared bank account, to fund future maintenance or repairs.