Not in my alley! (From Barry And District News)

Not in my alley!

A GROUP of Barry residents fear they will become "prisoners" if alleygates are installed in the lane behind their homes.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council proposed that the gates be erected in more than 50 different locations in the Cadoc ward.

Alleygates are gradually being introduced throughout Barry in a bid to prevent crime and vandalism in rear lanes, thus making properties more secure.

But a number of people living in numbers seven to 20 on Cardiff Road say they do not need the gates because they do not have problems in their back lanes.

They also consider that the gates would be unsightly and would lead prospective property buyers into believing there were problems in the back lanes.

Resident Colin Gillard said: "We are not objecting to the scheme overall, just the ones that back onto our homes.

"We just don't need them - we don't suffer the problems experienced elsewhere."

"My neighbours and I would rather the money was spent on other things, rather than wasted here."

Resident Ted Pringle, aged 81, is concerned that the gates will restrict his ability to get out and about.

Mr Pringle cannot walk far and said it would be too much effort to get in and out of his car every time he went out.

He said: "I'm not prepared for the council and police to confine me to my home. If this happens, the thieves and yobs wouldn't lose out, I would."

The Cardiff Road residents, underlining their opposition to the alleygates, handed a petition containing 50 signatures to the council.

As a result of the petition, a public meeting was called the following week at Cadoxton Community Centre, attended by residents, councillors, police officers and the fire service.

Ted and his wife Pearl were among those who attended.

Mrs Pringle asked what other initiatives the police and council would consider rather than resorting to Alleygates.

"The police and council see these gates as the answer to everything," she said.

"But I think they are wrong."