Doncaster Council to fund alley gates in neighbourhood as residents speak of fires, drug dealing, burglaries, sex workers and anti-social behaviour

Documents signed off in the summer but only published recently show council bosses signed off funding to erect five alley gates at the rear of both Don Street and Brooke Street, Wheatley as part of a Public Space Protection order.

Council bosses say the gates aim to prevent anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and criminality in the area and to ‘create a safe environment for the residents’.

The gates, which will cost the council around £7,000, will be locked at all times and only allow access to residents and nominated key holders such as South Yorkshire Police and waste collection services.

A report seen by councillors revealed the alleys behind the homes were being used as a ‘congregation area’ for residents of a nearby homeless hostel.

In just a 12 month period, the report details hundreds of complaints from residents whose homes back on to the alleyways.

These included reports of bin and car fires, over 200 incidents of drug paraphernalia and 19 incidents of fly-tipping.

“In the consultation process, one resident said: “Thank goodness. It’s an intolerable situation with residents dealing with daily fly tipping, fires, drugs and vandalism.

“Lived here 50 years, community spirit extinguished by the minority that have no regard or respect for anyone.”

Another resident added: “Very happy to have the gates, it’s an absolute nightmare. It’s disgusting, I have lived here for 20 years and have not seen it this bad ever.”

DMBC community safety officer Russell Saywell, said: “The alleyways to the rear of both Don Street and Brooke Street within the Town ward, have for a number of years been facilitating continual anti-social behaviour including alcohol and drug misuse where drug paraphernalia is being discarded.

“The area is also a magnet for use by sex workers, nuisance youths and adults, and has regular instances of criminal damage, fly-tipping and reports of burglaries and attempted burglaries.

Due to its proximity to the local Homeless hostel, these locations also serve as a congregation area for those tenants, again causing harassment, alarm and distress to local residents due to behaviours witnessed.

“This has had a fundamental effect on the wellbeing of the local residents which has resulted in a decline in the community spirit, ultimately affecting their quality of life.”