Alleys and Alley Gating

Alleys

Alleyways are known by many different names, depending on where in the country they are, for example entries, ginnells, backways, snicketts, passages, paths and walks.

They serve a purpose for the residents that live around them.  They provide rear access to properties which can be useful as it means you do not have to walk through your house with gardening equipment for example.

Originally used by dustmen and coalmen, they are now a thing of the past for many areas.  During World War II, many gates were removed to allow access for the air-raid wardens and were never replaced.

Alleyways are used less now and many have fallen into disrepair and have become blocked by garden or fly-tipped rubbish.  Household refuse is more often collected from the front of the house and regular deliveries to the back have become uncommon.

Alley Gating

Alley Gating is the installation of security gates across footpaths and alleyways in residential areas and housing estates in order to combat crime.

The advantages of gating an alley are numerous, including:

Reduced:

• Burglary
• Theft
• Fear
• Litter
• Hassle

Increased:

• Private Space
• Control
• Road Safety
• Access

These can all lead to a cleaner, safer environment.

Criteria for a Priority Alley

• Crime 1 - Number of incidents in the last six months
• Crime 2 - Number of complaints of nuisance in the last six months
• Environmental 1 - Number of complaints to the Environmental Care Contracts Team
• Environmental 2 - Number of complaints to the Environmental Health Pollution Team
• Environmental 3 - Number of complaints to the Environmental Enforcement Service
• Location 1 - Number of residents' properties that back onto the Alley
• Location 2 - Access needed
• Location 3 - Ownership of land

Hastings Borough Council does not fund Alley Gating, but you can download The Alley Gaters Guide to Gating Alleys leaflet from the Crime Reduction Partnership website.

Back to top of page...