PO relief as gates shut out crime

Photo: Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

SECURE . . . Phil Bonworth, from Oldham Council’s Community Safety Service, hands over the keys to the new alleygates on Lord Lane to postmaster Matthew McCartan.

RESIDENTS on a Failsworth street are hoping crime problems are a thing of the past after having alleygates installed.

Postmaster Matthew McCartan, who has run the Lord Lane post office for 21 years, had complained that anti-social behaviour and criminal activity had blighted the alleyway behind his business for years.

He has suffered four attempted armed robberies in the past three years, including one in spring when three men, armed with a hand gun and stun gun, burst in and attempted to smash the counter window but fled empty-handed.

He campaigned for a set of gates to block off the alley — but was initially turned down as burglary figures were used to determine priority. But additional funding has now been found and the gates installed.

On the night before the keys were handed over, Mr McCartan had to call the police after trouble from 19 youths congregating in the alleyway.

He said: “It’s a shame that it’s taken this long to get them but they are great. We are really, really happy and glad they have done what they said they will do. I used to be frightened of going out at night. But it makes it safer and I can go out my back door at night time and I feel safe.

“Residents have all come and thanked us for getting the gates up. Now we have a bit of peace of mind and are not as likely to get burgled.”

He now has to persuade everyone to keep the gates locked and try to get residents involved in clearing up the alleyway and keeping it tidy.

Mike Farrell, from Oldham Council’s Community Safety Service, said: “We had some funding that was directed towards reducing burglary so it could not be used. But we have identified some funding within the community safety service that addresses this type of problem.

“Alleygates have been installed across the borough and been proven to reduce burglary and other types of criminal activity.

“The postmaster was happy that the gate is now installed and they will give them a lot of additional security and deny access to criminals.”