Concerns raised over antisocial behaviour after alley gates left open in Hartlepool

Councillors raised concerns over how at times alley gates in the town are left open, leading to young people causing antisocial behaviour in such places.

Calls were also made for signage and greater protection for the gates in places, while councillors noted how key they can be to help prevent crime in back and side streets.

The issues were raised at Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Service Committee, who were told there were public space protection orders (PSPOs) covering such sites which are up for renewal in October.

Cllr Marjorie James stressed how important the alley gates are in helping to prevent crimes and make people feel safe.

She said: “People used to get burglaries right, left and centre, where people would just hop over the back wall, that used to be a major issue.

“I would certainly want to see all of those alley gates protected, because residents have come to rely on them so much for protection.”

Cllr Amy Prince, Jesmond ward representative, raised a concern of where an alley gate in her area has been left open, and the issues it can cause.

She said: “Teenagers are using the area to congregate because it’s kind of hidden from view, so they’re doing various things teenagers do.”

Council chiefs said they would be in contact to address the issues at the site.

Cllr Tom Cassidy also called for signs to be put up near the gates to remind residents to keep them closed, and also warned how enhanced protection and policing was still needed at some sites.

He said: “There’s no signage on the gates whatsoever to say they have to be closed from Hartlepool Borough Council, so maybe that’s something the council can take on board.

“It does stop theft but it doesn’t stop people climbing over these gates, so maybe something needs to be put in to stop people climbing over them, and that’s one problem we do have.”

It comes after it was announced in July that Hartlepool’s Burn Valley, including Oxford Road and adjacent ‘ladder’ streets, would be one of three areas receiving funding for a major overhaul in crime prevention measures.

This would include improved alley gates, increased CCTV and street lighting, and comes after Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner helped secure £1,034,696 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which aims to prevent acquisitive crimes like theft, robbery and burglary.

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Concerns raised over antisocial behaviour after alley gates left open in Hartlepool

It comes after it was announced in July that Hartlepool’s Burn Valley, including Oxford Road and adjacent ‘ladder’ streets, would be one of three areas receiving funding for a major overhaul in crime prevention measures.

This would include improved alley gates, increased CCTV and street lighting, and comes after Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner helped secure £1,034,696 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which aims to prevent acquisitive crimes like theft, robbery and burglary.

A message from the editor

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