Closing the door on Slough anti-social behaviour
Slough Borough Council is closing the door on anti-social behaviour by putting in place special Gating Orders to block access to some alleyways around the town.
Last Wednesday, January 30th, saw the first ever gate put up across an alleyway in Stratfield Road, Wexham, Slough to stop anti-social behaviour that had been on-going for a couple of years.
After receiving complaints from Slough residents, including reports of drug dealing, vandalism and fly-tipping, the council’s community safety and highways teams, along with Thames Valley Police, decided to make a Gating Order under section 129 of the Highways act 1980.
The proposal was to install a gate at either end of the alleyway, which runs from Stratfield Road to Wellington Street. Residents where then consulted, along with businesses and statutory bodies, and the order was confirmed last November and came into operation on January 9th.
The new Orders will help to combat anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime and the scheme has been awarded £45,000 from the capital fund for further projects in the town.
Kam Bhatti, community safety project officer for Slough Borough Council, said “The new gating scheme is a fantastic idea. Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is a clear priority for the council which will not tolerate such activities.
“Gating is a means of improving the quality of life for residents in Stratfield Road and others in the near future.”
Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “The council staff, along with the police, have done a marvellous job at trying to combat anti-social behaviour.
“They have listened to the residents and started an order that will stop crime and help reduce the fear of crime in areas around Slough.”
PC Dave Stride, from Thames Valley Police, said “We were aware of the many problems at Stratfield Road and held a number of meetings with local residents to see what could be done under current legislation to help improve the situation.
“During those discussions, the idea of a Gating Order was raised and after explaining what would be involved, the community were very receptive to the idea.”
Slough Borough Council