New alleygating scheme welcomed

Gates were put up at the entrance to the alley at Glenfield Road and Glenavon Crescent.

The initiative was developed following a serious sexual assault and a spate of antisocial behaviour in the area.

The two metre high gates will restrict access to alleyways at the rear of the properties between 36 and 88 Glenfield Road and the pathway between numbers 43 and 45 Glenavon Crescent.

Mairead O'Dowd, chair of the CCSP said: "The safety and well-being of this community is a top priority and we recognise that the antisocial behaviour has been taking place here has caused fear and distress to the residents.

“It's hoped that by working along with the residents this scheme will have a major impact on addressing anti-social activity so that they will feel safer in their own homes.”

The gates allow viewing into and from the alleyway to facilitate natural surveillance. Only residents within the area directly affected by the gates will be able to open the gates, ensuring that the initiative will have as much impact as possible.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Duncan McBain added: "I welcome the alleygating scheme in Mourneview as a measure which will provide some reassurance to residents and help to reduce fear of crime in the local area.

"The neighbourhood team will continue to work with other partner agencies, including the Mourneview and Grey Estate Community Association and local residents to tackle and prevent all types of crime and anti-social behaviour. We would ask anyone with concerns or information about crime to contact police in Lurgan on 0845 600 8000."

The Housing Executive will maintain the gates and will undertake an annual inspection.

There are a number of areas that have been referred to the CCSP because of antisocial behaviour.

The CCSP will be prioritising these areas with a view to extending this initiative, where required, in the borough over the next year.

For further information on this scheme contact Pamela Hanna, CCSP on 3831 2491.