Steel gates to be fitted in park

NEW steel security gates are to be fitted in a park to deter anti-social behaviour and theft.

They will be attached to a Grade II-listed Victorian building to protect a community growing hub.

Hyndburn council plans to build the gates in Gatty Park, Church.

But it needs to go through the process of Listed Building Consent as they will be attached to the historic Elmfield Hall in grounds which was 1850s, for F.A. Gatt and is, now a community Social Centre.

A Design and Access Statement with the application says: “The affected area (courtyard and associated buildings) were previously used by Hyndburn Borough Council as a base for grounds maintenance operations staff prior to leasing of the site to Community Solutions North West (CSNW) and as a community growing facility.

“The inclusion of the vehicle and pedestrian gates is in direct response to the escalation of antisocial behaviour and thefts from the premises, and is aimed at improving security by restricting access to authorised personnel only, particularly outside of normal working hours.

“The proposal is to attach new vehicle access gates to the existing gate pillars adjacent Elmfield Hall and to the boundary wall opening adjacent the existing carpark off Riding Barn Street.

“The gate design is in keeping and of a similar design to the existing bowling green fencing used elsewhere in the park.

“Anecdotal evidence (supported in part by the remains of gate hinges) would suggest that the area was previously gated with timber gates which were removed many years ago due to failure.

“The decision to replace with steel gates would provide a level of visual security from passing pedestrians which timber gates would not provide.”