Nottinghamshire alley gating scheme may be expanded
Locked gates may be installed across alleys in Nottinghamshire in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.
The county council is considering expanding a scheme which closes alleys and footpaths after obtaining two gating orders in Hucknall and Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Gates were installed in the alleys more than a year ago to prevent criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.
The council has said the gating orders are used as a "last resort".
The alleys were first closed off under temporary traffic regulations but gating orders have now been made by the council's rights of way committee.
Residents had complained of theft, damage to vehicles, litter and intimidating behaviour.
Adrian Dudley, community safety officer for the county council, said: "This is a major victory for the silent majority which has to put up with anti-social behaviour, fear and intimidation day in and day out.
"Residents just want quiet enjoyment of their properties. This should be the minimum the police and councils guarantee communities.
"I do not take closing off the highway lightly and it is a last resort but, where we feel that other solutions are not being effective, then gating orders will be used."
The gates can be opened for access by the emergency services and the gating orders must be reviewed every two years.