The future of dozens of alley gates put across ginnels in swathes of Preston are being consulted on.

Preston City Council wants the views of those who have alley gates installed on their street or those who think an alleygating scheme is needed.

The alley gates have public space protection orders attached to them which prohibits people from entering the alleys unless they need access to their own properties or if emergency services needed access.

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The bulk of alley gates in the city are concentrated in Deepdale, St Matthews, Fishwick, Avenham, Frenchwood, Plungington and Ashton-on-Ribble.

Every three years the city council consults on the alley gates currently installed and whether further ones are needed – the last consultation and changes were in 2020.

Cabinet member for environment and community safety councillor Freddie Bailey said: “Alley gating has been an effective tool to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour and criminality, with a partnership approach between the police, local authorities, and the community.

“Installing gates to the ends of back streets and alleyways provides a safe and clean environment for residents by securing previously vulnerable areas.

“It is now important that we gather views on the continued use of alley gates in Preston and the Public Spaces Protection Orders.”

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You can see a full list of every alley gate currently in the city on the city council website.

The consultation is on the city council website and available until 5pm on Monday (2 October).

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