The use of “alleygates” to close off both ends of alleyways or entries to the rear of terraced housing is a crime prevention measure that has been used extensively in other parts of the UK. However, its application has been more difficult in Northern Ireland as no single agency or arm of Government has sole responsibility for looking after such alleyways. Because of the complex situation here regarding legal responsibility for such alleyways and gates, a number of gates have been erected by local communities without proper authority or legal responsibility. Consequently to help ease and legitimise the process, a pilot alleygating scheme, costing over half of £1m co-funded through the Department of Social Development’s Belfast Regeneration Office under the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and the Community Safety Unit, was launched on 4 April 2006 in five areas of Belfast as part of an initiative aimed at reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. A total of 180 custom made gates have been installed at the rear of entries to terraces in the Little Americas in the north, Lower Windsor in the south, The Mount in the east and in the Beechmount and Woodvale areas of west Belfast. Since being rolled out in these areas the feedback we have received has been very positive. Residents have stated that this scheme has helped reduce their fear of crime and improved their quality of life. As with every pilot scheme lessons have been learned and we can now offer a Manual for be |
