Gating order hope to stop anti-social youths

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A NEW gating order which will see an alleyway in Crabbs Cross closed off at certain times to prevent anti-social behaviour comes into force on Friday (August 3).

Gates have been installed across the footpath between 70 and 72 Crabbs Cross Lane and 38 and 39 St Peter's Close and will be closed every Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm and 7am. It will remain open at other times to allow people access to the shops in the area.

Private firm Cava Security Services will be responsible for opening and closing the gates. The move is the first of its kind in the borough and Worcestershire and has been introduced by Redditch Borough Council and Worcestershire County Council in a bid to end a nightmare for residents stretching back over five years.

As the Standard reported in May for some time youths have been gathering in the area causing disruption, damaging fences, throwing objects into people’s gardens, drinking and littering. Police and council chiefs say as the path is narrow, poorly overlooked and has a dog-leg it encourages crime and anti-social behaviour.

Other measures have been tried over the years to combat the problem including setting up a youth club, targeted police patrols, working with schools and a section 30 dispersal order but without success.

Crabbs Cross Lane Residents Association is supporting the gating order which will last for five years and then be reviewed. The £10,000 cost of the project is being funded by Redditch Community Safety Partnership and the county council.

James Cooper, senior community safety project officer on the council and Redditch Community Safety Partnership, said: "We have listened to the concerns and views of local residents and responded.

"By taking this step, we hope to reduce the issues that are occurring and improve community safety in the area."

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