Is it too late to gate? Or is the time ripe to swipe?

Our studious followers and readers will recall last year's debate on South Terrace Facebook group page concerning 'gating the lanes'.

Gating back lanes is not as revolutionary or draconian as it first appears. It seems that in Middlesbrough, the council has sponsored a number of gated lanes (click the link and watch the video), adding massively to the amenity for residents.

The statutory criteria for gating are fairly strict and Darlington has made only one such order, but that is not to say that we could not make a case for gating here at South Terrace, especially considering that the lanes do not comprise 'through routes', affording access only to South Terrace residents.

The back lanes (east and west) to South Terrace present our Achilles Heel. It is along here that flat-back trucks have been driven and our homes are observed; it is from here that over the years the reported break-ins have occurred; it is here that strangers have been found lurking to observe rear bedroom windows; it is here that fly tipping has occurred and drug paraphernalia has been located and removed by Street Scene.

Before making an order, the council must also be convinced that it is expedient for the purposes of reducing crime or anti-social behaviour. To determine this, the Council will take into consideration: the likely effect of making the Order on the occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway; the likely effect of making the Order on other people in the locality; and in cases where the highway constitutes a through route, the availability of a reasonably convenient alternative route.

Residents of gated lanes will be given access to come and go with vehicles or on foot. Likewise, the emergency services and utilities are given access for their purposes.

Whilst South Terrace could not possibly re-create Mavis Arnold's bower, the long-term advantages for residents could be immense. Leaving aside the impact on property prices (which may be an attraction for many), residents would reduce the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour, regain control over an important part of their environment, gain a private amenity walkway, provide a safe play area for their children, and improve their sense of neighbourhood.

Why should South Terrace not lead again on this vision?

With thanks to North News and Pictures Ltd for the use of their photos and video.