Safer Streets 2

For more information about the consultation click here.

We asked

We conducted a consultation for the Safer Streets 2 Project, which is funded by the Home Office. We asked for your views on the installation of alleygates in 10 key areas across Birkenhead and Seacombe. These areas were selected due to issues with anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crime and environmental problems, like fly-tipping. We wanted to know how residents felt about these alleygates being installed. The questions were framed in relation to the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that comes into effect in conjunction with the installation of alleygates. A PSPO is a legislative tool which comes under the umbrella of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They can be used to prevent anti-social behaviour and related criminal behaviour in key areas which have seen high levels of anti-social behaviour or other criminality. The installation of alleygates closes the alleyway set out in the PSPO to the public and means only surrounding residents, who receive keys to the alleygates, can gain access to the alleyway. Breach of a PSPO, without a reasonable excuse, is an offence.

You said

Residents told us whether or not they objected to the installation of alleygates. This gave residents the chance to voice any additional concerns they may have prior to the installation of alleygates. 51 consultation responses were collected regarding the proposed PSPOs. 96% of overall responses were positive. The 4% objections or queries have been addressed. Analysis of the responses showed that 8 of the areas did not receive any objections to the PSPO.

We did

We responded individually to residents who had objections to address their concerns in full. The PSPO was sealed and came into force on the 5 November 2021. The appeals process against the PSPO lasted for 6 weeks from the 5 November, ending on 17 December 2021. Residents had six weeks from the date of the order to question the validity of the Order or any provision contained in it, to make an application to the High Court under Section 66 of the Act based on specified grounds set out within the Act. This allowed for residents who still have concerns about the installation of alleygates, and their associated PSPOs, to appeal it through the proper legal mechanism.

For those areas with no objections, we will continue with the alleygate installation as planned, with the alleygates set to be installed throughout January and February 2022. Following the installation of the alleygates, we will conduct an evaluation with residents to assess what impact they feel alleygates have had in their area. This further survey will consolidate the importance of public feedback and its impact on future decision-making.