Kirkby alleyways notorious for crime and anti-social behaviour are now locked

The gates have been installed under a public spaces protection order following a public consultation earlier this year.

An overwhelming majority of residents were in favour of restricting access to the alleyways between Spruce Grove and Beacon Drive, adjacent to Rosewood Drive, and between Spruce Grove and Poplar Avenue, Kirkby.

Under the PSPO, any person found entering the alleyways will be handed a fixed penalty notice of £100.

The gates have been put up as part of the Safer Streets Fund which has seen Kirkby town centre and the Coxmoor Estate receive new automatic number-plate recognition cameras, CCTV cameras, upgraded street lighting, extra police and community safety patrols, as well as implementing a shop radio scheme and safe spaces in businesses in the town centre.

Robert Docherty, Ashfield Council executive director of place, said: “We know gating these alleyways will genuinely improve the lives of the residents who live near these anti-social behaviour hotspots.

“The council is committed to making a difference to feelings of safety in Ashfield and the gating orders are just one of the many ways that we are acting on this commitment.”

Antonio Taylor, council community safety manager, said: “PSPOs are an important instrument to deal with persistent issues damaging our communities and to ensure our public spaces can be enjoyed by all free from anti-social behaviour.

“The Safer Streets Fund has allowed us to carry out a raft of safety improvements across Kirkby, and the whole district, and we will continue to improve Ashfield for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Caroline Henry, Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner, said: “I’m delighted to see the Safer Streets projects coming to fruition and having an impact.

“It also follows the recent announcement that Nottinghamshire has been chosen as one of 16 police commissioner areas to receive significant funding to trial a new ‘immediate justice’ scheme, where those found committing antis-ocial behaviour will be made to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities.

“This will allow us to further support residents in Ashfield, and the wider Nottinghamshire area, with even more swift action.”