Locking out crime

Councillor Rod Blyth with one of the new alleygates behind Moorside View, Shaw. He said the investment sends a clear message that the council is committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

THE crime-busting alleygating scheme is back on track with a £275,000 fund for new schemes across Oldham.

Since the gates began being installed five years ago more than £1.2 million has been spent fitting 1,000 gates covering 10,000 homes.

And the “truly staggering” demand means it would cost around £4 million to complete alleygating across the borough.

But the pioneering scheme was suspended earlier this year so police and officials could analyse burglary patterns to set a clear policy for the whole of Oldham.

A review of all previous alleygating schemes will look at how well they are maintained and supported by residents.

New designs will be examined, as well as improved locking systems including self-closing and keyless options.

And there will also be opportunities for the new District Partnerships to fund their priority alleygating schemes.

Councillors will be discussing the proposals at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, including spending £125,000 this year on borough-wide schemes, £50,000 annually for the maintenance of existing alleygates and £100,000 every year for District Partnerships to invest in additional local schemes.

The report, from Veronica Jackson, executive director for people, communities and society, said: “Not only is the demand for alleygating still truly staggering, but it has been shown that there are huge benefits in reducing crime and increasing well being to residents.

“Oldham is seen as a national leader.”

One project in Clarksfield with 35 gates covering 253 properties cut burglaries by 90 per cent.

Five years ago the first alleygates went up in the Dean Street area of Failsworth.

Resident Katherine Berry said initial problems over lack of keys, and gates being left open, have been ironed out.

She said: “I know that crime has dropped, 70 per cent I would say, and the scheme helps neighbours to get on.

“I’m now forming a committee to do up the back entry.”

Councillor Rod Blyth, Cabinet member for people and communities, said: “The significant level of investment that we are proposing sends a clear message that the council is committed to reducing criminal activity and anti-social behaviour using all the means at its disposal.”