Gants Hill residents pledge to pay for security gate in alleyway to stamp out crime threat

Houses in Middleton Gardens and Perth Road back on to the alley, which makes access easy for criminals, area seven committee members heard at Highlands Primary School, Highlands Gardens, Ilford, on Wednesday of last week.

Three concerned residents proposed installing gates as a deterrent.

Speaking in the public forum, resident Prince Joseph said: “This alleyway is very frightening at night.

“I put a letter round to 45 houses and 43 houses got back to me detailing a number of crimes over recent years, including 10 burglaries. We really need a gate.”

Nearby residents from 31 houses have agreed to each put £50 towards the cost of the gates, which have been estimated to cost about £1,600.

A fellow resident added: “I’m OK for security because I have two dogs, but they’ve recently been barking late at night. They’re not barking at nothing, people are in the alleyway.

“About two weeks ago there were two burglaries in Middleton Gardens and the house owners didn’t even ring the police because they know they wouldn’t do anything.”

A fee of £500 was agreed by councillors for the consultation which they considered would be conducted faster if delegated to Redbridge’s highways and cleansing team.

Cllr Shoaib Patel, the cabinet member for community safety, planning and enforcement, claims he is “encouraged” that residents are willing to put money towards the safety measure.

He said: “It’s my belief that alleygating is a good way of protecting vulnerable homes and deterring crimes.”

Funds for a further alleygate consultation in Studley Drive, Redbridge, were also approved after Transport for London agreed to repair a fence needed to secure the gate.

It is hoped this will reduce fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.