Agenda item

To consider the Annual Review of the following Gating Orders:

• The Nancrofts, Armley
• The Nowells, Burmantofts
• Oakham Way, Osmondthorpe

The Forum were in receipt of three reports from the Alleygating Coordinator in relation to reviews conducted on Gating Orders in place at Nancroft Mount (Armley), Back Nowell Place/Back Nowell Mount (Gipton and Harehills) and Oakham Way (Killingbeck and Seacroft).

Nancroft Mount

The Forum first considered the Review for Nancroft Mount and noted the information contained in the table of considerations. Crime in the area had decreased in the twelve months preceding the installation of the alley-gates and the alley-gates had been strongly supported by the local residents. There were approximately 20 properties which backed on the gated area all of which had been consulted during the Review process. The consultation received 10 responses all in favour of maintaining the gates. When the Gating Order was initially installed one landowner had objected to the Order however in the latest consultation round the landowner had responded favourably to the alley-gates.

The following issues were addressed in questions:

• The Alley-Gating Coordinator hoped that the crime statistics could be further improved in the future however this was reliant on staffing levels.
• When looking at designs to the alley-gates 6-7 years ago Officers had considered access through the gates for the disabled or those with restricted mobility. There had been no complaints to officers regarding access through any of the gates.
• The issue of self-closing mechanisms was being trialled by the local authority although there were a number of outstanding issues including health and safety concerns which needed to be addressed.
• The alley-gate for Nancroft Mount had been designed by two of the residents adjoining the gates.
• All alley-gates were galvanised however there was a budget for maintenance. All future Gating Orders would be costed with an £107  five year maintenance figure which would be held in a central pot. It was anticipated that this pot would cover the costs of maintenance for the five year period and beyond.
• Members suggested that Officers should consider the Authority’s obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act when considering the suitability of gates.
  
  
  

Back Nowell Place/Back Nowell Mount

In relation to the Gating Order already in place in this area crime within the gated area had decreased. There had been an issue with one resident who continually left the gate open but this had been resolved. Whilst there were still problems within the area agencies were working together to carry out improvements. Following a recent visit to the area the level of fly tipping within the gated area had decreased which had impacted on the perception of the area.

The following issues were addressed in questions:

• There was no evidence to suggest that there had been a displacement of crime within the surrounding areas.
• There were concerns that there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour which Members were advised that there were a small number of families who were a cause for concern. It was also noted that it was possible that the recording methods could be responsible for the increasing levels.
• The residents had been advised that if the gate continued to be left open then it would be removed.

Oakham Way

The Alleygating Co-Ordinator informed Members that Oakham Way was an example of bad development and bad practice in terms of design and crime prevention. The design of the estate included a thoroughfare. Which cars could drive down. There had been a problem of anti-social behaviour relating to youths congregating in the area which had decreased since the dates had been installed.

The following issues were raised in questions:

• The highway had been adopted and had bollards.
• The path had been designed to allow residents access to Osmondthorpe Road however it had been used as access for criminals.
• Members suggested that a wider map of the area should be included in the Gating Order reports.
• The postal consultations had received a fair level of responses which led to a public meeting. Residents welcomed the gate however there was a concern regarding access to the path from nearby streets and the distribution of keys had been widened. Others streets who did not have access to the key still had a reasonable alternative access route which was slightly longer but resident could request a key.

In considering the reports the Forum agreed to support the recommendations of the Alley-Gating Co-Ordinator subject to the comments made above.

RESOLVED -  That the recommendations be supported.