Community Protection Gating Orders Paul Collett Warwickshire County Council-Community Safety Community Safety Project Officer

Community Protection Gating Orders What are Gating Orders? Basic principle is to block a Public Highway that is use for criminal activity and/or ASB. First Introduced in County Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) for any ‘High crime area’ Improved on in Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNE) for any area suffering crime and/or Disorder. Inserted Section 129 A-G into Highways Act Highways Legislation that can only be applied by County Council. They are not the same as Alley gating Scheme.

Community Protection Gating Orders Section 129A (3) To comply with the law a location must met the following criteria 1.(the) premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway are affected by crime or anti-social behaviour; 2.the existence of the highway is facilitating the persistent commission of criminal offences or anti-social behaviour; 3.It is in all the circumstances expedient to make the order for the purposes of reducing crime or anti-social behaviour. The circumstances of point 3 should include: –The likely effects on the Occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent, –The effect on other users in the area, –In cases where it is a through route, a reasonably convenient alternative route.

Community Protection Gating Orders The Pit Falls Highly contentious-Various councils that have used them have end up in court. Spread of the Idea as the ‘Panacea’ of crime prevention. Demotes Community Cohesion. Multiple schemes across the County. No ownership of these schemes. Funding issues. Will effect the community, some more that others.

Community Protection Gating Orders Positive outcomes Proven record of success. Adaptable-time of closure, location specific, can meet the needs. Pro-active measure. Supports reductions in ASB and other crimes types. Can be reviewed to support the communities changing needs. Does not change the status of the land.

Community Protection Gating Orders The Current situation Work is progressing to complete the policy, which is going to cabinet very soon. Multi Agency approach-Police, District, borough and Partners working to avoid the contentious points. Strong lead from County to get this in place-with officers in place to deliver. It will include a lead organisation and a named community safety officer and will make recommendations at an early stage. Trial investigations are underway in Rugby and Warwick.

Community Protection Gating Orders Conclusion Seen as the option of last resort. Not easy to obtain. Contentious. They do work. WCC working on the problem in a proactive manner.

Community Protection Gating Orders The Overslade Gating Order Request Proposed gating of ‘The Jitty’ from Marlborough Road to Overslade Lane. Proposed by the Residents association and the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Initial visit planned followed by a needs assessment. An evidenced based investigation will follow. There will be 2 Consultations with the public on this request.

Community Protection Gating Orders Any Questions? For further information