Consultation begins on future of gated alleyways

Following Cabinet approval, Ashfield District Council has launched a consultation on whether to keep or remove gates across eight alleyways in Ashfield.

The alleyways were gated off in 2023 under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which is due to expire in 2026. Since their installation, anti-social behaviour has fallen by 34% in the areas surrounding the gates. Ashfield District Council is now asking residents and businesses to take part in their survey on the future of the gates, which is open until 24 December 2025.

The consultation can be accessed here. 

Since being installed residents have commented that they feel safer in those areas and have noticed less fly-tipping. 

The gates are located:

1. Between Bentinck Street and Bramley Court, Sutton
2. Between Downing Street and North Street, Sutton
3. Between Welbeck Street and Portland Close, Sutton
4. Between Bramley Court and Sutton Lawn, Sutton
5. Rear of 34-37 Rockwood Walk, Hucknall
6. Between Spruce Grove and Beacon Drive, Kirkby
7. Adjacent 40 Rosewood Drive, Kirkby
8. Between Spruce Grove and Poplar Avenue, Kirkby

Cllr John Wilmott, Executive Lead Member for Community Safety said:

“Gating off the alleyways has had a huge positive impact on the lives of the residents who live near these former anti-social behaviour hotspots. We are certain that removing them would be extremely detrimental and would see a return of the behaviours that blighted these communities.

“By extending the PSPO we are showing our commitment to stamping out anti-social and nuisance behaviour. One of our top priorities is tackling these unwanted behaviours in Ashfield to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe here”.

The results of this survey will then be fed back to Cabinet and Full Council for the final decision in the new year. 

The gating order is just part of the wider tools that the Council have implemented to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve feelings of safety across the District. Over the past few years innovative Safe Point cameras have been installed in all three town centres that allow users to speak directly to the police control room, and ultra high-definition CCTV cameras have been mounted across Ashfield under the Safer Streets scheme. Businesses throughout town centres signed up to become Safe Spaces, meaning they were kitted out with CCTV cameras, lights and training to offer sanctuary for anyone who needs it. 

Posted on 26 November 2025