Forum Topic

Gating of alleys

A  neighbour has cleared  our blocked alley for use by builders. Unfortunately this opened the way for burglars to rob us undisturbed. Police suggest gating but is their any help available officially or do we have to do it ourselves?

Graham Weeks ● 5327d7 Comments

It can't cost that much to gate, assuming that there are a number of properties contributing and a bit of DIY expertise among them.

Susan Kelly ● 5323d

Of course, there will always be some eejit who refuses to pay his share, however small!

Susan Kelly ● 5323d

Just had a look at the Ealing Council website:Alley gatingThe gating of alleyways is a useful tool for the reduction and prevention of burglary and criminal damage, and for reducing anti-social behaviour such as graffitti, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles.It is only possible to gate an alleyway which is not a public right of way, and in most circumstances only privately owned alleyways are gated.The process of gating an alleyway relies on teamwork from neighbours and it may be a good idea to set up a residents group. The tasks required will include:checking on the ownership of the alleyway (the Land Registry can provide this, otherwise your title deeds may indicate)getting consent from your neighbours who either jointly own the alleyway or have a right to access itassessing whether planning permission is required (the council's planning services can advise)ensuring service providers are aware of your intentions including water electricity and gas (if there is a manhole in the alleyway they may need access)agreeing a budget with your neighbours, work out which of your neighbours may wish to contribute (opening a joint bank account is recommended)finding a contractor (fencing companies will often be suitable) and agree a design, negotiate a cost and start dateAlley-gating scheme The community safety team run an alley-gating scheme. Applications are accepted from private residents with access to privately owned alley-ways.Please print and complete the application form (word) and read the information for applicants on the alley-gating scheme (word).  Return the form to: Community Safety Team, 5th Floor, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HLUnfortunately the team receive more applications than they have funds available so please pay close attention to the information required in the information for applicants (word).Successful applications will have alley gates manufactured and installed by the council, with all residents with a right of access to the alleyway receiving a key. Residents will be responsible for maintaining the gates once installed.Further information The government's crime reduction website provides an Alley-gaters Guide to Alleygating, which will take you through the process.For further information please contact the community safety team on (020) 8825 7600 or your local crime prevention officer on (020) 8825 1252.

F Stone ● 5323d

At one time when I was living in Southend there was an alleyway to the side of my property with other houses gardens backing on to it. We wanted to stop the alleyway being used as a dumping site for unwanted furniture items and were told that there is a gating scheme by which you can erect a gate at the entrance and/or exit. The council do have to be involved to a certain degree and every property owner who ahs access to the alley has to agree to it being gated. Unfortunately I can't remember the specific website which has the information as it was a few years ago, but it can be done.

F Stone ● 5323d

If it's private land then it's hard to imagine the council coughing up any cash but there's no harm in asking.

Susan Kelly ● 5326d

No right of way but access to the rear of dwellings and is private land.

Graham Weeks ● 5327d

Something about this on the news recently. But what? I think one council was gating 'ginnels', so maybe lobby Ealing to do the same (with the money they make from the garden refuse?). Can't be done at all if it's a right of way, though.

Susan Kelly ● 5327d