Issue - meetings

This report considers the proposal to gate one section of a snicket between Jute Road and Beckfield Lane in Acomb Ward in order to help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour associated with the route.

RESOLVED:   That the Executive Member approves Option B and authorises the Director of City Strategy to instruct the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make a Gating Order over the route, in accordance with Section 129A of the Highways Act 1980 as amended.

REASON:                  In order that public rights over the route can be restricted under S129A of the Highways Act 1980 so that crime and anti-social behaviour associated with the snicket can be reduced.

Consideration was give to a report which considered a proposal to gate one section of a snicket between Jute Road and Beckfield Lane in Acomb Ward in order to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour associated with the route.

Cllr Horton expressed his support for the making of the gating order in line with Option 3 of the report. He confirmed the issues raised by local residents of anti social behaviour and criminal damage in the vicinity. Support had also been received from the Police Architectural Liaison Officer and he pointed out that closure of this section would still allow residents access to Beckfield Lane and the bus stop.  Requests were made for improvements to visibility splays to further limit anti social behaviour in the area.

Cllr Simpson-Laing also confirmed her support for the earlier comments and gating. She went onto make reference to the cleanliness of the snicket and Officers confirmed that, once gated, cleaning would be carried out on a reactionary basis.

Representations were received from a resident of Jute Road in support of the gating. She also referred to local support for undertaking a 12 month review of the use of the remaining leg of the path. The Executive Member pointed out that a review could be initiated at any time and he confirmed that the use of the unclosed section of the snicket would be kept under review with details reported back, if necessary. ^1.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option A – Do not authorise the making of the Gating Order. This option is not recommended.

Option B – Authorise the making of a Gating Order to restrict public use of the snicket. This option is recommended.

RESOLVED:   That the Executive Member approves Option B and authorises the Director of City Strategy to instruct the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make a Gating Order over the route, in accordance with Section 129A of the Highways Act 1980 as amended.  ^2.

REASON:                  In order that public rights over the route can be restricted under S129A of the Highways Act 1980 so that crime and anti-social behaviour associated with the snicket can be reduced.