Alleygating Public Space Protection Order consultation

Reviewing current gating PSPO

This consultation is now closed. It was approved by the council's Cabinet on Monday 29 January at 6pm. You can read the report and watch the meeting discussion online.

The council was asking for feedback on three current alleygating Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). These are at Valentine's Passage, Central St Leonards, Public Right of Way (Hastings No.94); Laser Lane, Central St Leonards Public Right of Way (Hastings No.97); and Havelock Road to Priory Square Public Right of Way (Hastings No.175).

These gates were installed in March 2021 and it is a requirement that these orders are reviewed every three years to make sure that the gating continues to deter the anti-social behaviours they were installed to resolve.

Valentine's Passage (linking Shepherd Street with North Street in St Leonards). The passage had been the scene of repeat and persistent instances of anti-social behaviour: drug dealing and associated noise, discarded needles, fly-tipping as well as public urination and defecation.

Laser Lane (linking Kings Road to Cross Street in Central St Leonards). Laser Lane had been the location of anti-social behaviour for a very long time, the anti-social behaviour includes: drug related litter, drug dealing, public urination and defecation and significant amounts of fly-tipping. The lane also has a long history of serious violence.

Havelock Road to Priory Square (also known Prospect Passage, in Central Hastings). This route has had been the site of significant levels of graffiti and has been the scene of drug dealing and misuse, alcohol related violence as well as considerable noise and other anti-social behaviours.

The gates installed have already significantly reduced anti-social behaviour occurring in the footpaths and in areas close by. Retaining the gates and keeping them closed, with access to residents only, will retain the quality of life of residents in these parts of the borough.

Anti-social behaviour presents itself in many ways that can cause fear, alarm or distress to anyone nearby. Gating is a proven method to reduce the anti-social behaviour presenting in and around the lanes, passages and footpaths mentioned above.

You can find out more about the current PSPOs, including maps of the areas. 

Proposed new gating PSPO

The council is also considering installing gates in Trinity Passage, between Robertson Street and Claremont, Public Right of Way (Hastings No.177) in the town centre. This alleyway suffers from fly-tipping as well as public urination and defecation. Businesses and residents in the area have requested that gating be an option to stop this anti-social behaviour from occurring in the alleyway.

You can see a map of the proposed gate and area.