'Alleygate' scheme to shut out crime in Belfast

A £500,000 scheme to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in parts of Belfast has been launched today.

The scheme, which involves a partnership between the government, Belfast City Council and Bryson Charitable Group, will see the installation of 180 alleygates at the rear entries to terraces in five locations including Little Americas in north Belfast, Lower Windsor in south Belfast, the Mount in east Belfast and Beechmount and Woodvale in west Belfast.

The pilot project, which is expected to cost over half-a-million pounds, is being funded by the Department for Social Development’s Belfast Regeneration Office and the NIO's Community Safety Unit.

Speaking at today's launch in north Belfast, Development Minister, David Hanson, said: “Crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism are major issues in disadvantaged areas. Social problems of this kind can have a disproportionate effect on the quality of life of the people who live in these neighbourhoods and must be tackled to make a real change for the better in the lives of residents.

The Minister continued: “One of the key aims of the government’s neighbourhood renewal strategy is to improve social conditions for these people through the creation of safer environments. This project represents an excellent example of the type of partnership approach needed to reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime."

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Wallace Browne added; "There is no doubt that crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour are major concerns for the people of Belfast, and we are committed to addressing these concerns. Belfast City Council and the Community Safety Partnership therefore are delighted to be involved in this alleygating initiative which we are confident will contribute to the Council’s aim of creating a safer city."

The Lord Mayor concluded by saying that the council is aware that there is considerable demand for alleygates throughout the City and are very hopeful that this pilot will demonstrate to all the organisations involved that alleygates are effective in reducing crime and improving local environments, so that mechanisms can be found to develop the scheme further.

(EF/SP)