Alleygates protecting more than 3,200 properties
Alleygates in Barry
Gates are about to be installed on the latest phase of the
extremely successful Alleygates initiative in Barry.
The crime reduction project led by the Vale of Glamorgan
Council, Barry Police and South Wales Fire Service involves the
sealing off of back lanes to reduce opportunities for individuals
to commit burglaries, vandalism and other anti-social
activities.
Gates are erected at both ends of pathways, back lanes and
alleyways, and only residents and authorised bodies are given
unique keys.
The project started in the town's Castleland ward and has been
continued in the neighbouring wards of Cadoc, Court and Buttrills.
To date, 215 gates have been installed protecting more than 3,200
properties.
Alleygates earned the Vale Council national recognition in 2005
when it was named as the “Best Community Initiative” at the annual
Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.
The Safer Vale Partnership contributed £30,000 towards the
latest project, and chairman Cllr John Thomas said: “The security
of residents and commercial properties in the Vale is, of course,
of great importance, and I am very pleased that Safer Vale is able
to continue to fund the Alleygates scheme."
Cllr Rob Curtis, Cabinet Member for Visible Services, said:
“This successful partnership is a great example of how the Council,
Police and Fire Service are addressing crime and disorder
together.”
Vale Operational Manager (Highway Maintenance) Keith Jones, who
is also Alleygates project manager, said: “The European Funding
Office has provided an additional £46,000 towards the costs of this
year’s gating and this has enabled the continued expansion of the
project into new areas.”
Chief Inspector Nigel Lewis, from South Wales Police, said: "The
Alleygates project produced remarkable results in the three-year
period to 2005, with a 73% reduction in house burglary, 60% cut in
burglary of commercial property, 74% reduction of thefts of
vehicles, and 44% reduction of theft from vehicles. People are also
telling us how they feel safer and that, for me, is a real measure
of the scheme's success."
As part of the latest initiative, keys are being distributed at
The YMCA Hub, Holton Suite, Gladstone Road/Court Road (next to
Barry Police Station), on Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11,
between 10am and 4pm, for the following:
2 – 32 (Even) Maesycwm Street
50,56,58,60 Maesycwm Street
28 – 34 (Even) Tynewydd Road
2 – 98 (Even) Wyndham Street
St Helen's Presbytery
St Helen's Infants
St Helen's Junior
Rondel House
St Helen's Catholic Church
62,63,64,65 Pyke Street
Crossways Methodist
Holton County Infants
Holton County Juniors
1 – 17 (All) Pyke Street
37 – 69 (Odd) Morel Street
201 – 217 (Odd) Holton Road
73 – 97 (Odd) Morel Street
58 Court Road
18 – 34 Pyke Street
Britton Builders
Kwik Fit Garage
1 – 37 (Odd) Guthrie Street
38 – 72 (Even) Morel Street
219 – 235 (Odd) Holton Road
18 – 34 Pyke Street
2 – 56 (Even) Court Road
44 – 59 (All) Pyke Street
Elim Four Square Gospel Church
Residents are invited to collect their keys by bringing two
proofs of identity, one of which should be a utility bill or an
official document with proof of their address. The other should be
a bank card, passport, library card, etc.
01/03/07