Kentish Express Ashford & District
Locked gates have put a stop to nightmare of noisy yobs
So far so good, says councillor, after dramatic drop in complaints
Reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Ashford town centre have significantly reduced since lockable gates were installed.
The gates were fitted at the Middle Row entrance to St Mary’s Churchyard earlier this year after years of campaigning by residents.
It was hoped it would stop the regular anti-social behaviour and vandalism reported by homeowners in the Churchyard, who complained of noisy drunks smashing windows and urinating on houses.
The problems were blamed on the fact the Grade I listed churchyard lies between several pubs and revellers were using it as a shortcut.
Planning permission for the 1.9-metre high gates was sought last year by Ashford Borough Council, which was approved, and they were finally installed in February on a one-year trial.
Now, eight months later, the council says the number of complaints has dramatically reduced.
An ABC spokesman said: “They (the gates) appear to have had an impact as the number of anti-social behaviour related complaints have significantly reduced since the gates were closed on Fri-
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Cllr Jeremy Adby, ward member for the town and a Churchyard resident, has also noticed a difference, but says this could change over the Christmas period.
He added: “Since the gates went up there has been no anti-social behaviour at all. So it has worked.
“But the footfall at the moment isn’t as bad since the Phoenix pub closed. There isn’t a nightclub in town at the moment either.
“But when the new club [Cameo] opens near the station it will increase the footfall. Plus pubs will get busier around Christmas.
“So that will be the time to judge it.
“It will be interesting to see how it develops.”