Council backs down over calls for Abergele alley gates to be left open

Mar 11 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

COUNCILLORS have backed down over claims that “ghetto gates” should be left open during the day.

The alleyway between Alexandra Road and Groes Llwyd, Abergele, has been a meeting place for drinking youths for years.

Proposals would section off the footpath in the evening, but they would be opened during the day.

Resident Jean Jones voiced her dismay to the town council last week. She says the problem is just as bad during the day as it is at night.

“We have fought for 13 years to get something done about this issue,” she said.

“It has been gradually getting worse ever since we moved in. We were horrified when we discovered the council wanted to open the gates during the day.”

Mrs Jones said she and her husband call the police regularly but as soon as they leave the youths return.

“It’s very intimidating. Every Sunday we have to clean up the bottles and cans and the graffiti is very obscene.”

“For over 12 years people have suffered and we’ve had enough. What the council is asking for is completely ridiculous,” she added.

The problem arose after Abergele Town Council raised concerns that the gates would block a public right of way in the daytime.

After hearing from the Jones’ they quickly backed down.

Mayor Delyth MacRae said: “The council is fully supportive of this issue. Everybody wants this alley to be closed.” Cllr Brian Roberts added: “I am not sure we fully understood the history of this case.

“I am sure there is no need for the lane to exist any more.”

Gates across dark alleyways are an established form of crime prevention.

Conwy County Council is now in the process of rolling these out in Llandudno Junction and Abergele.

The idea has been a success throughout other areas of the UK.

It is also hoped they will help recover streets seen as no-go areas after dark.