A group of residents in Filton are doing their bit to keep their community safe and crime-free.
Residents of Charborough Road have arranged and helped to fund the installation of locking alley gates to keep the lane behind their homes secure. The large metal gates block access to the rear lane to everyone except local residents who get keys.
The scheme has proved very successful in many areas of South Gloucestershire and Bristol, and is supported by police and Safer South Gloucestershire.
Filton Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officer Sheryl Drewitt said: “There are lots of alleys leading to garages and gardens behind homes in Filton. Unfortunately this makes life easier for thieves and can also be a venue for anti-social behaviour like fly-tipping.
“The gates are a simple but very effective way of tackling the problems. Crime and anti-social behaviour has fallen in the areas which have already been gated.”
PCSO Drewitt supported Charborough Road residents Peter and Angela Thornley in their application for funding from South Gloucestershire Council.
Mr Thornley, 62, said: “Garden sheds had been broken into and damage was being caused, so we decided to go with the alley gate scheme and contacted the police about it. We feel a lot safer now and are all very pleased with it.”
Alley gates have already proved successful in solving crime and anti-social behaviour problems in Filton Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Kipling Avenue, Mackie Road, Ninth Avenue Northville Road and Third Avenue.
Anyone interested in finding out more about alley gating schemes and the other help available to make neighbourhoods feel safer can contact their local neighbourhood team by calling 0845 456 7000 or via the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.
Alternatively visit www.safersouthglos.org.uk or call 01454 868586.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
