Alleygates hit by vandalism

Alley gates aimed at improving community safety were put in place between Glenfield Road and Glenavon Crescent in February.

Gates and fences were installed with pin-coded locks to allow residents to access the alley.

The alley had become a location for drink and drug taking, as well as dumping and fires.

It was hoped the alleygating would close the door to anti-social and criminal behaviour and give residents peace of mind and security.

The Housing Executive has said a review is underway into the future of the gates after continual acts of vandalism.

Residents have said the locks were broken within a week of the scheme being installed. Gates have been damaged, keypads forcibly removed and wood ripped from its fixings exposing sharp nails.

Repairs are needed at all three gates in order to close properly.

Already the alleyway has been used as a dumping ground much to the dismay of many weary residents who have for years been tortured by youths drinking, taking drugs and setting fire to, among other things, hedge rows.

The Housing Executive is reviewing the gates and looking at how best to deal with the vandalism, given the amount of money that had already been spent on the scheme and the repairs.

A spokesman said: "The Housing Executive worked closely with Craigavon council and the community on the installation of the gates.

"Since the gates were installed they have been vandalised on numerous occasions. This is extremely disappointing and a continual drain on much needed housing funding.

“The Housing Executive would urge local residents with any information to contact the PSNI. A decision on the future of the gates has yet to be made."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "Craigavon Community Safety Partnership is working closely with the Housing Executive and the residents of Glenfield Drive and is aware that the locks on the alleygates are currently not in operation.

"As with any security measure there is always a bedding-in period and together with the Housing Executive and the cooperation of the residents, they are looking for an alternative locking mechanism for the gates.

"CCSP is continuing to work actively with the residents on this issue and have recently sent letters to all households encouraging them to report any suspicious activity or vandalism to the police."