‘Ridiculous’ reason to refuse Darwen alley gates

12:56pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Bill Jacobs, Local government reporter

CAMPAIGN Alley gates in action, and Coun Paul Browne CAMPAIGN Alley gates in action, and Coun Paul Browne

DARWEN councillor Paul Browne is calling on the borough to reverse its ‘ludicrous’ decision to refuse to put alley gates on a back lane branded ‘the dirtiest’ in the town.

The Liberal Democrat was delighted when the local authority agreed to introduce a scheme to block off alleys in the Greenway Street area to deter flytipping and crime.

But he was astounded when the workmen failed to put the lockable gates on the narrow lane behind Preston Street, branded ‘the dirtiest back in the entire borough’ by fellow Sudell ward councillor Roy Davies.

Coun Browne contacted Blackburn with Darwen council highways department boss George Bell to be told that the alley was too narrow to allow refuse wagons down if the gates were installed. Now he is calling for a rethink.

Coun Browne said: “The council are fitting alley gates in the Greenway Street area which is a great idea to deter flytipping and other problems. They came down and fitted them in Lloyd Street, missed out Preston Street and went on to Cavendish Street. I rang George Bell and was told that the alley behind Preston Street was too narrow to allow refuse wagons down if the gates were fitted.

“That is ludicrous. It’s always been too narrow for the council lorries. The wagons have never gone down there.

“They park at the end and the men go down and get the wheelie bins up to the wagon.

“It’s always been that way. It’s a ludicrous reason for refusing the alley gates. The council need to change their mind and do something to fit these gates to Preston Street.

“The residents need them there to stop people dumping rubbish. The council and Mr Bell must change their minds on this one.”

Director of environment, housing and neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council, Sayyed Osman, said: “We have limited funding for alley gating and receive a large number of requests from residents.

“Alley gates are prioritised in need and we take on board residents’ comments when deciding where they will be installed.”

Comments (4)

2:47pm Fri 21 Sep 12

CapitaBackHander says...

If the reason they are wanted, is to stop littering then they shouldn't be installed. The litter will just be dumped elsewhere - you can't get everywhere alleygated off. Install covert CCTV and prosecute the flytipers. Or is that idea to easy to follow?
If the reason they are wanted, is to stop littering then they shouldn't be installed. The litter will just be dumped elsewhere - you can't get everywhere alleygated off. Install covert CCTV and prosecute the flytipers. Or is that idea to easy to follow? CapitaBackHander

4:35pm Fri 21 Sep 12

goz says...

About a week ago this newspaper had a front page photo of the back alley between Leach st and Hall st Blackburn. The council installed alley gates on here over 12 months ago, and it's made absolutely no difference whatsoever to the cleanliness of the back, and wont make any difference in Preston st. It's the resident's who need educating via the court's.
About a week ago this newspaper had a front page photo of the back alley between Leach st and Hall st Blackburn. The council installed alley gates on here over 12 months ago, and it's made absolutely no difference whatsoever to the cleanliness of the back, and wont make any difference in Preston st. It's the resident's who need educating via the court's. goz

7:38pm Fri 21 Sep 12

dollyfan says...

The gates have made a difference in the Sudell area of Darwen they do not just prevent flytipping they also cut down on Crime.
The gates have made a difference in the Sudell area of Darwen they do not just prevent flytipping they also cut down on Crime. dollyfan

9:29pm Fri 21 Sep 12

retired one says...

goz wrote:
About a week ago this newspaper had a front page photo of the back alley between Leach st and Hall st Blackburn. The council installed alley gates on here over 12 months ago, and it's made absolutely no difference whatsoever to the cleanliness of the back, and wont make any difference in Preston st. It's the resident's who need educating via the court's.
Same applies here on Accrington Road. It's some of the residents that are leaving all kinds of rubbish in the back alley. Also the bin men sometimes can't be bothered to shut the gates. They, of all people should know it's common sense to shut them. I am fed up of having close them after the bin men have been, especially if I have been out for the day. What's the point of gates on if they are being left open.
[quote][p][bold]goz[/bold] wrote: About a week ago this newspaper had a front page photo of the back alley between Leach st and Hall st Blackburn. The council installed alley gates on here over 12 months ago, and it's made absolutely no difference whatsoever to the cleanliness of the back, and wont make any difference in Preston st. It's the resident's who need educating via the court's.[/p][/quote]Same applies here on Accrington Road. It's some of the residents that are leaving all kinds of rubbish in the back alley. Also the bin men sometimes can't be bothered to shut the gates. They, of all people should know it's common sense to shut them. I am fed up of having close them after the bin men have been, especially if I have been out for the day. What's the point of gates on if they are being left open. retired one

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