Neighbours in Sutton-in-Ashfield have shared their ‘relief’ as crime ridden alleyways are set to be closed next month. Ashfield District Council have made the decision to close eight alleyways across Ashfield under a public space protection order due to them being hotspots for crime.
Local residents reported a total of 836 incidents to Nottinghamshire Police alone last year from drug misuse, criminal damage, groups congregating and fire setting from the eight alleyways in question.
Two of the alleyways set to be closed are between Bentinck Street and Bramley Court and between Bramley Court and Sutton Lawn.
Residents of Bramley Court and surrounding streets told Nottinghamshire Live that drug dealing and fly tipping are a big issue that occurs in the alleyways. As well as people riding around them on motorbikes.
They have expressed relief that they will now finally be closed off.
35-year-old Damien Collerill said: “It needs to be done. It’s bad around here. They should close them. It’s constantly, drugs all the time, it’s constant. I’ve been here for a year and a half and get on with everyone around here, it's nice. It brings it [the area] down definitely.”
Other alleyways in Sutton that are set to be closed from March 1 are between Downing Street and North Street, between Welbeck Street and Portland Close. In Hucknall the rear of 34-37 Rockwood Walk will be closed.
And in Kirkby between Spruce Grove and Beacon Drive, adjacent 40 Rosewood Drive, and between Spruce Grove and Poplar Avenue will also be closed.
Under the byelaw, any person found entering the alleyways could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and/or face prosecution.
42-year-old Sam Walker is local to the area, she shared concern for the residents in the area, she said:“I think there’s a sense of relief that something is being done. It can get quite bad, it’s worrying but I think crime is getting worse everywhere. There’s a lot of families and elders here so it’s not safe. I’m glad something is being done about it.”
Another resident who had wished to remain anonymous said: “It can be very bad around here. I think we’re all happy about the closure, hopefully it reduces the problems we have. I think there’s only so much residents can take and at the moment it’s just awful. It’s not something you want to be around.”
A nearby fence that separates Bentinck Street and Bramley Court was an accident waiting to happen last year. Councillor David Hennigan, who represents Central Sutton and New Cross on Ashfield District Council, has been working to solve the anti-social behaviour issues that occur at the fence that was once left unfinished.
Mr Hennigan met with Sutton’s Beat Officer, a member of the Council’s Community Protection Team and a resident to propose a package of improvements to make the area safer. This includes putting in static CCTV in the area, increasing patrols and a plan to strengthen the fence after damage.
Cllr Dave Hennigan said: “Residents on Bramley Court and Bentinck Street are living in fear – sick and tired of anti-social behaviour issues that plight their lives. The gated entrance to Sutton Lawn, from Bentinck Street is a well known problem area. The council is now gathering the evidential base to put fixed, permanent CCTV in the area following Councillor Samantha Deakin and my request. This will offer some solace to residents who will also be reassured by the additional patrols that have been agreed.
“Councillor Samantha Deakin and I have formally requested that the Council undertake a feasibility study into erecting CCTV at the gate from Bentinck Street and Sutton Lawn as part of our Safer Streets programme. This is an area of high crime with lots of residents complaining about the associated anti-social behaviour and crime. There is CCTV at the top of nearby Welbeck Street which has reduced incidents of anti-social behaviour. We hope any CCTV in this location will do the same.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Executive Lead Member for Community Safety and Crime Reduction, said: "Gating these alleyways will improve the lives of the residents who live near and around these anti-social behaviour hotspots. The amount of responses to the consultation demonstrate how necessary it is to restrict access to these alleyways that cause misery to residents.
"We have listened to the residents impacted by issues within the area and we as a Council are committed to making the lives of Ashfield residents better, that is why I am glad to support these plans and get them approved.’’
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