Footpath gate idea to stop illegal riders
A footpath could be blocked off at night to prevent anti-social behaviour and illegal motorcycling.
Winton Walk, a public right of way in Braunstone, Leicester, could be blocked by a locked gate between 7pm and 7am each day.
The proposal comes from Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council and is in response to residents' complaints about anti-social behaviour, including the illegal riding of motorcycles and mini-motos on the path. Members of the public have four weeks to back or object to the plan for the path, which runs between Winton Avenue and Gaddesby Avenue, off Narborough Road.
Sergeant Rod Smart, of Hinckley Road police station, said residents had also found discarded syringes.
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Sgt Smart said: "We've spoken to a number of people in the area and they are quite keen that this gate is put in place.
"There have been reports of general anti-social behaviour, particularly the riding of motorcycles and mini-motos there.
"There is a 28-day period now during which people can express their opinions about the proposal and any objections will obviously be looked at.
"Clearly, it would be quite a serious step to take and we do not want to adversely affect residents or other members of the public going about their business."
Daxa Pancholi, head of community safety at the city council, said: "There has to have been a sustained period of anti-social behaviour rather than isolated incidents before we can seek an order like this. We have installed a gate in Harlaxton Walk which is nearby because there was a similar pattern of anti-social behaviour there.
"When we did it, the residents held a little party.
"The gate would be shut between 7pm and 7am and residents have agreed to be key-holders.
"We would also give keys to the emergency services if they required access."
Call the city council on 0116 252 6605 for information and details on how to take part in the consultation, which closes on Friday, November 16.
Comments
by Rajjan
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:42PM
“Handful people make difficult for every one. If Police can visit more often and arrest some of them they will stop. Gate idea is not appropriate Sir, Me and my girl friend love to go there at night time. Please reconsider about locking up.”
by llamalamb
Sunday, October 21 2012, 3:42PM
“I suppose the cost of a padlock & a few keys is much less than a regular police patrol. If we had bobbies on the beat again there would not be need for such a draconian and anti-social solution as blocking a public right of way. Don't bother to arrest the criminals, just ensure that they misbehave somewhere else.”