CHESTER’S first alley gate could appear in a city suburb.

The crimebusting initiative in Hoole has been advertised for consultation following an approach by Westminster Road residents to Cheshire County Council’s alley gating officer.

Community safety specialists have been considering the possibility of installing the gate in an alleyway off Charles Street behind 12-20 Westminster Road and 13-29 Hamilton Street where people are said to defecate and relieve themselves.

Occupiers also suffer break-ins, noise and anti social behaviour including litter and rubbish dumping.

Local people claim they have seen drug dealing taking place and that youths and vagrants gather drinking alcohol.

There have been 19 incidents in three years directly related to the alley which is described as “a popular place for criminal and anti-social behaviour”.

It is pointed out that secluded areas such as the alleyway attract anti-social and criminal behaviour because there is a reduced risk that people will be seen and caught and that the police cannot be present at all times.

City and county councillors heard at a Town Hall meeting that a hidden police camera was installed but no offender was caught.

Police inquiries in the area have proved fruitless and a gate is seen as a long term solution.

The alley does not provide a through route for pedestrians, according to a report, but serves as the rear access to the properties concerned, all of which would be provided with a key to the gate.

The emergency services would also have keys.

Area highways manager Colin Stredder says 24 owners and residents were consulted and 13 replied, all of whom were in favour.

Hoole All Saints Cllr Ted Longman (Lib Dem) and the police also support the gate.

An order to enable it to be erected was agreed for consultation by Chester’s highways and transportation local joint committee.

People have until Friday, January 9 to make any comments to Kay Parry at Backford Hall.