Decision details

Purpose of report: To discuss the proposal to restrict public rights over five alleyways between Millfield Road, Thorpe Street, Russell Street, Scott Street, Nunmill Street and Bishopthorpe Road using Gating Order legislation in order to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour associated with them.

The Cabinet Member is asked to make a decision as to:
a) Whether or not to seal and make operative the Draft Gating Orders under section 129A of the Highways Act 1980, to restrict access along four alleyways:
Millfield Road/Thorpe Street
Thorpe Street/Russell Street
Russell Street/Scott Street
Scott Street/Nunmill Street

b) Whether or not to carry out statutory consultation to make a Gating Order on the alleyway between Nunmill Street and Bishopthorpe Road.

This decision will be taken at a public Cabinet Member Decision Session on 29 May 2014.

Resolved: (i)                 That the Cabinet Member agreed to the sealing and making operative the draft Gating Orders for Millfield Road/Thorpe Street, Thorpe Street/Russell Street, Russell Street/Scott Street, Scott Street/Nunmill Street.

(ii)               That the Cabinet Member agreed to making a draft Gating Order for the alleyway between Nunmill Street/Bishopthorpe Road.

Reasons:  (i)                 In respect of recommendation (a), although a number of residents had objected to the draft gating order, when all the representations were taken into consideration, residents and bodies supporting the scheme were in the majority.

(ii)               In respect of recommendation (b) it is considered that the requirements of the legislation to make a draft Gating Order have been met.

(iii)               In respect of both scheme, the Council has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to implement crime reduction strategies in an effort to reduce overall crime in their administrative area. These ‘Alley-gating’ schemes support the obligation.