Gates in alleyways stop yobs nuisance

The 'alley gating' scheme has stopped yobs in their tracks in Brinsworth, Rotherham, where they were trespassing down gennels and making noise and smashing property.

Now the terraced homes on Duncan Street and Ellis Street have been protected by metal gates and fences, which are lockable with keys owned only by residents.

Barbara Ball, of Duncan Street, said: "It's been brilliant round the back of our house with no problems since the gates have been up.

"We used to have people trying to break into our shed and others coming into the garden, and a number of windows were broken. Now it's safer for children to play out so I can watch my granddaughter as she plays in the back garden."

PC Richard Bilton from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team has led the scheme, a joint initiative between the police and Rotherham Council.He said: "I first became aware of alley gating when it was used in Greater Manchester and also in Eastwood, Rotherham.

"The streets initially chosen were suffering increased crime and anti-social behaviour as well as fly tipping and littering.

"Many of the houses were also in need of repair and the funding we secured, along with contributions from landlords, enabled us to make wall repairs at the same time as installing the gates and fences.

"Residents have been given greater personal responsibility through the scheme and we're working with them to build on progress already achieved."

Ellis Street has seen the biggest impact with incidents reported to South Yorkshire Police down 47 per cent over the last year. Duncan Street has suffered 39 per cent less trouble.

PC Bilton's work on the project led to a nomination in the national Public Servant of the Year Awards, where he made the final five.