£100,000 'alley gate' safety scheme

3:03pm Wednesday 27th February 2008

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By Tom Moseley »

BACK alleys are to be sealed off to trouble-makers under a new crime-fighting scheme.

Householders are to be offered "alley gates" in a bid to crack down on yobs and graffiti artists.

Blackburn with Darwen Council chiefs have unveiled £100,000 plans for residents who are plagued by trouble-makers to apply for the pathways to be sealed off.

Under the scheme, similar to one operating in Burnley, only neighbouring homeowners would have a key to open the gates.

It was unveiled as part of the council ruling coalition's proposals for next year's budget.

Coun Michael Lee, in charge of resources at the council, said: "Everyone in the row of houses would have to agree to them.

"This would give people the opportunity to look after themselves."

But Labour councillor Andy Kay said the gates were "highly controversial".

He said: "Some people want their back alleys sealed off, others don't. It's very difficult to find a consensus."

The council's budget, which includes outline proposals for the following two years, will be agreed on Monday night by the full council.

If the coalition's proposals are passed, a below-inflation council tax rise of 1.9 per cent will be agreed, rising to 2.57 per cent once contributions to the police and fire service have been included.

Other spending commitments include another £250,000 into the council's controversial equal pay scheme, and £500,000 to improve the borough's roads.

The cash-strapped adult social care department, which is set to see some services contracted out to private and independent bodies, has been given an extra £2 million.

And the borough has been divided into five 'neighbourhoods' - each of which will be given £50,000 to distribute as they wish.

A town-centre youth club, similar to the famous Bolton Lads and Girls club, is earmarked for the new Cathedral Quarter development, with £400,000 earmarked for 2010/11.

And £100,000 will be given to repair Corporation Park bowls pavilion.

At Monday's meeting, the opposition Labour group will put forward its own, alternative budget.

Council bosses admit they have been given a generous grant from central government this year.

The grant, about £70 million, is 9.5 per cent higher than last time around.

Coun Kay said the coalition's plans were "full of general statements, with no detail".