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Alley gating is a situational crime prevention tool that may be used to reduce burglary, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour by restricting access to the rear of terraced houses.

Lockable metal gates and fencing are erected at strategic points, allowing unrestricted access to the residents while keeping out those individuals who are seeking to commit a crime or engage in anti-social behaviour.

Local ward councillors may be able to fully or partially fund gating schemes using their personal budgets, but this funding is limited. Alternatively, residents may be advised to form constituted groups, which will allow them to access various funding streams, or to fund the gating schemes themselves.

Before alley gates are installed, the status of the land as a highway right of way or through route must be considered and if needed a relevant legal Order applied for.

Gating Orders/Public Spaces Protection Order

Gating orders were used to restrict access to public rights of way to assist in the reduction of crime or anti-social behaviour within a designated area.

These were subsequently replaced by Public Spaces Protection Orders.

Public Spaces Protection Orders also make provision for preventing other unwanted behaviours within an alleyway, including but not limited to;

  • Restrictions on the storage of bins and other items
  • Restrictions on the building of structures
  • Restrictions relating to dogs e.g. must be on leads, must be cleaned up after

Breach of a Public Spaces Protection Order is a criminal offence.

Why use alley gates?

  • Rear entry access through alleyways is the most common method of burglary amongst terraced properties
  • Alley gates help to reduce other forms of nuisance (e.g. fly-tipping, vandalism, drug dealing, dog fouling)
  • The alley becomes a safer, more secure space, particularly for older residents and children

Who looks after them?

If gates are installed by Oldham Council, they remain the property of Oldham Council, who retain responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the gates.

If the alleyway is part of an adopted highway, the Local Authority retain the responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance. Alternatively, if the land is unadopted land (which means the Council do not own or maintain it), the responsibility for its maintenance remains with the landowner/s.

How many people have keys?

All of the residents affected by the alley gates will receive keys. There is one key per household, and residents can get more keys cut for anyone residing with them.

Should residents lose the key, they will be responsible for its replacement. We would advise that all residents, get at least one additional key cut, as Oldham Council will not provide additional keys, in the event that a key is lost or damaged.

* These links will be fully operational by 31 July 2021.