Walkers back alleygate fight

A NATIONAL campaign to put a stop to alleygating has got the thumbs up from local ramblers.

The National Ramblers’ Association has launched Unlocking Paths after growing tired of alleyways and short cuts being blocked by gates.

John Walton, footpath secretary with Oldham Ramblers for the past 25 years, said: “Alleygating should not be as widespread as it is today. There are parts of Oldham that are almost unpassable and we are not getting to the root of the problem. A minority of thugs are taking away the freedom of the majority of people.

“I can understand why some alleyways need to be blocked off but we must look at each case on its own merits.

“There should be much more public consultation as the first people know of alleygates are when they see the thing going up near their homes.

“Most people do not read the public notices section in the newspaper or see the notes attached to lampposts so they don’t have a clue until it’s too late.

“I have only objected to two where I thought the gates would block safe routes to school for children.

“We are also seeing more and more people putting their own alleygates up and illegally blocking off public rights of way and this is just not on.”

Alleygates came into force under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and are used in areas where there is anti-social behaviour.

The Ramblers’ Association say the £5,000 gates should be installed as a last measure after security lighting and CCTV have been tried.