Neighbours fear surge in crime 'overnight' after council plans which 'don't make sense'
The gate on Hollins Road, as seen from above and right outside
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Residents in a small neighbourhood where crime was "stopped overnight" by a community gate have slammed an "unbelievable" council decision to remove it for access reasons.
The neighbours, who live on an alleyway off Oldham's Hollins Road, had been protected from crime and anti-social behaviour for almost a decade thanks to a large gate across the entrance to the path.
But a move by Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police to remove the gate in order to improve access to a property in the alleyway has been met with fierce criticism - and fears of an "overnight" crime spike.
All the residents have keyed access to the gate - but, in light of its impending removal, several have come forward to voice their concerns over litter, gangs and the return of crime to the alleyway.
The gate on Hollins Road, as seen from above and right outside
Nigel Rees, who lives on the affected street, said he'd seen bikes racing and "gangs and kids" drinking, and had had cans and syringes thrown over his garden fence.
He told the Oldham Times: "The gates stopped all that overnight - they're like a second defence - and kids can play there safely now," adding: "It's brilliant here - neighbours all look out for each other."
Another resident said: "Fly-tipping is going to get worse, urinating is going to get worse, kids smoking weed, vandalism.
"As a woman, I'm worried about other women who get off the bus at night on the main road and will have to pass by the alleyway because people could just hide in there. It's not lit, either."
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The alleyway, as it appears from both sides, both of which are gated
But in light of the letter from the police and the council - which does not provide pretext for neighbours to object, appeal or even reach a compromise - some residents have voiced their dismay.
Among a good chunk of the neighbours, the sentiment is clear: removing the gates will lead to a jump in crime.
One resident said he and others are "in uproar" about the decision, citing how they suffered from antisocial behaviour and petty crime before the entry-way's installation.
Another, a mother, said she was worried about the impact on her child's - and the community's children's - safety.
One more detailed how he felt "wound up" when he first received the letter, adding: "I still can't believe it, it doesn't make sense to me."
Oldham Council's Peter Dean said that as part of the authority's renewal of several Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in the borough, the council was made aware about the gate restricting access to a property which didn't exist when it was installed.
Cllr Dean said that the council "sympathise[d] with the residents", but the decision was "out of [their] hands" as it has to operate within the law - though he did stress residents' right of appeal.
He continued: "Because the safety and protection of residents is our priority, we are currently exploring all options.
"We have taken their views on board and will be sharing information with them as soon as we have an update."
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