Call for action at anti social alleyway

2:36pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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WORRIED residents have demanded action by the Vale of Glamorgan council to deal with unruly youngsters who congregate in a Penarth alleyway.

The troublesome lane, that runs from St Peter's Road to Lavernock Road, has become a magnet for anti social behaviour.

Last month Josette Bevan, 61, told the Penarth Times she contemplated sleeping in her hallway after yobs threw large stones at her bedroom window.

Mrs Bevan wants the lane's entrance on the St Paul's Avenue estate to be bricked up - and she called for the removal of benches from the corner of the estate.

Following her plea, Lavernock Road resident Gavin Seymour has called for alleygates to be installed at either end of the lane, after having two windows smashed by teenagers who threw stones at his house.

Mr Seymour, 36, said: "The first time it happened they hit the lounge window and glass smashed everywhere.

"It was so lucky that my wife, who is a teacher, wasn't sat at the dining table marking books, as she often does.

"Then they managed to hit the spare room window, which has a bed right underneath it.

"Again, it was just smashed glass and no-one was hurt - but you dread to think what could have happened if someone had been in the bed.

"I think the only solution could be to install alleygates," added Mr Seymour "Residents could have their own keys and it would stop the idiots from getting in.

"The lane isn't used all that much and I want something to be done about the problem."

The Vale of Glamorgan council confirmed an investigation is already underway into the anti social behaviour - but ruled out the possibility of installing alleygates.

Acting operational manager (public sector housing) Mike Ingram said: "The council's alleygates scheme is not applicable in this case as the lane in question doesn't meet the criteria for consideration.

"The lane is a well-used pedestrian route for many local residents, including children, and established highways rights are therefore likely to exist.

"In the circumstances, it is probable that there would be objections to the introduction of alleygates, and it is therefore not considered appropriate for this approach to be adopted.

"Council officers and the police have attended the site and actions to address the issues are being considered," he added "The council's housing department is currently consulting with residents regarding the seating area, which appears to act as a magnet for anti-social behaviour, and may consider its removal if supported by residents in St Paul's Avenue."