PROPOSED REPORT

Title of Report Proposed gating Order. Gating Order No 25 Project Code Author of Report Mike Farrell 1569 File Ext Ref Contact Officer and Job Title Haydn Roberts, Head of Service, Community 2148 WP Ext Safety Services. Ref Area(s) of Cabinet Adult and Community Services X Human and Financial Resources Responsibility Children, Young People and Families Localism and Partnerships (More than one box can be City Regional Partnerships & Governance Performance & Organisational Dev’t ticked) Community Cohesion and Communication X Strategic Service Delivery Arrangements Environment and Regeneration X and ALMO’s Wards Affected Alexandra Fails East Sadd North Waterhead (More than one box can be Chadd Central X Fails West Sadd South Werneth ticked) Chadd North Hollinwood Sadd West & Lees Chadd South X Medlock Vale Shaw Coldhurst North St James’ ALL Crompton Royton South St Mary’s Report to be considered The Cabinet Leadership Briefing Only by? (Please tick) (May go to Leadership Briefing first) (ot for Publication) Executive Director Executive Director and Cabinet Member X (Under Delegated Powers) (Under Delegated Powers) For Information Only (Information Domain) Overview and Scrutiny Which One? ______Area Committee Which One? ______Traffic Regulation Order & Gating Order X Panel Which One? ______

Any Declared Interests? Officer Member None X

Exempt from Call-In No X Yes

Is it an exempt report? No X Yes Reason

Advice Sought (More than one Legal X Finance X Personnel box can be ticked) Any Other : Highways X FCHO Please specify Confidentiality Level Everyone Except Cabinet Only Public X (Tick one box only) Public Forward Plan Reference (If a Key Decision) Details of Consultations Cabinet If so, which one CLLR. J Stretton Date Member (More than one box can be Chief Officers Ward ticked) Affected Councillors If Other Emergency John Hudson Date June 2011 Please Specify Services, Statutory Colin McLaren Undertakers, Eddie Moores Interested groups, David Hibbert i.e Ramblers and Joy Open Spaces Wrigglesworth Graham Shuttleworth Overview and Scrutiny Overview and Scrutiny Management Board of Interest to (More than one box can be ticked)

Report approved by No Yes X Comments Finance Manager

ATTACHMETS (Please ensure this section is completed) If yes - 4 APPENDICES Yes how Appendix number to be typed in top right hand corner. many? If yes - 4 LOCATION PLAN(S) Yes how Location plan(s) to have same title as report. REQUIRED many? All plans and appendices referred to in the report MUST be held electronically on the same “word” file as the report. If this is not practical then ensure that a “Supporting Papers” paragraph is included within your report indicating where the attachment(s) can be viewed.

APPROVALS SIGATURE DATE

REPORT MANAGER

SERVICE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Administrative Secretariat to approve No Yes OR on EDRS Decision

Report approved - Report has been sent to Constitutional Services Author please action

by ……………………………….… on ………………………….

The signed original of this proforma - filed in Secretariat

Original report and copy of this proforma - to be filed by the Author

Forward Forwarded Date Forward Forwarded Date to by to by Action(s) Requested : Action(s) Requested :

Actioned by Date Actioned by Date

Forward to Forwarded Date Forward Forwarded Date by to by Action(s) Requested : Action(s) Requested :

Actioned by Date Actioned by Date

Forward Forwarded Date Forward Forwarded Date to by to by Action(s) Requested : Action(s) Requested :

Actioned by Date Actioned by Date

Forward Forwarded Date Forward Forwarded Date to by to by Action(s) Requested : Action(s) Requested :

Actioned by Date Actioned by Date

DELEGATED ITEM

Proposed Gating Order – Gating Order No 25 Report of Assistant Chief Executive - Neighbourhoods

Portfolio Responsibility: Neighbourhoods – Councillor J Stretton

10 th August 2011

Officer Contact: Mr Mike Farrell Ext. 1569

Purpose of Report

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to install gates on the highways detailed in the schedule at the end of the report under powers contained in Sections 129A to 129G Highways Act 1980 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).

Executive Summary

The walkways that are subject of this application are;

1. The alleyways to the rear of 63 to 87 Robinson Street, , 2 to 28 Bredbury Street, Chadderton, 2 to 12 Jane Street, Chadderton and 23 to 49 Gorton Street Chadderton. CSS 294.

2. The alleyways to the rear of 29 to 45 Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 46 Agnes Street, Chadderton and 1to 31 Bredbury Street, Chadderton. CSS 938.

3. The alleyway to the rear of 1 to 5 Gorton Street, Chadderton and 350 to 352 Denton Lane, Chadderton. CSS 861.

4. The alleyway to the rear of 24 to 50 Scholes Street, Chadderton. The alleyway to the rear of 62 to 76A (consecutive numbers) Higher House Close, Chadderton and the alleyways running between 20 & 22 Kingston Avenue, Chadderton and 76 and 76A Higher House Close, Chadderton (this is also the route of Public Footpath 57 Chadderton). CSS

Consultation has been completed with residents and the support has achieved the 80% approval rate required by OMBC Alleygate Policy, this consultation was done by letter & by receipt of a petition. Letters have been sent to Emergency Services, Statutory Undertakers and other interested parties i.e. Ramblers and Open Spaces Society.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the proposal to gate the highways, detailed in the schedule of this report, be advertised and where no objections are received the order to gate shall be made, but where objections are unresolved the Traffic Regulation Order Panel will be used to determine the merits of the proposal.

Page 5 of 37 12/04/2010 EXECUTIVE DECISION RECORDING SYSTEM REFERENCE No:

Proposed Gating Order – Gating Order No 25 Sections 129A to 129G Highways Act 1980

Report of Assistant Chief Executive Directorate – Neighbourhoods.

Portfolio Responsibility: Neighbourhoods – Councillor J Stretton

1 Background

1.1 The Community Safety Service has been examining the possibility of introducing physical measures in an effort to reduce crime in areas where an identified problem can be established.

1.2 As part of the Government’s efforts to cut down on crime and anti-social behaviour, new powers have been introduced under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 to allow local authorities to make gating orders restricting public rights of way over highways subject to the gating orders.

1.3 Before making a gating order, the Council must be satisfied that premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway subject to the order are affected by crime or anti social behaviour, the existence of the highway is facilitating the persistent commission of criminal offences or anti social behaviour and it is in all the circumstances expedient to make the order for the purposes of reducing crime or anti social behaviour. In considering whether it is expedient to make the order, the Council should have regard to the likely effect of making the order on the occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway, the likely effect of making the order on other persons in the locality and in a case where the highway constitutes a through route, the availability of a reasonably convenient alternative route.

1.4 The purpose of this report is to seek approval to install gates on the highways detailed in the schedule in the report under powers contained in Sections 129A to 129G Highways Act 1980 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).

2 Current Position

2.1 The current position is that the residents and properties adjacent to the alleyways in the schedule are subject to unacceptable levels of crime.

2.2 Attached is analysis (see Appendix C) that shows the number of different incidents that have occurred in the alleyways (or the immediate vicinity) subject of the application and over what time period.

Page 6 of 37 12/04/2010 2.3 The analysis shows the current situation regarding burglary crime, vehicle crime and ASB linked to crime at the specific locations.

2.4 Within the replies to the Community Safety Services from residents, whose alleyways are subject to the application, there is some anecdotal evidence to prove the amount of anti-social behaviour etc that has occurred and is still occurring.

2.5 Because of this evidence the Community Safety Unit is satisfied that:

• The premises adjoining or adjacent to the highways are affected by crime and anti-social behaviour • The existence of the highway is facilitating the persistent commissioning of criminal offences or anti-social behaviour • It is in all circumstances expedient to make an order for the purposes of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

3 Options and Alternatives

3.1 The alternative to installing alleygates in the areas listed is to ‘targets harden’ all properties adjacent to the alleyways, however the nature of some of the crimes and incidents and the cost of such action makes this alternative unrealistic and cost prohibitive.

4 Preferred option

4.1 The preferred option is to gate the following, all of which are in various parts of Oldham Metropolitan Borough.

4.2 All residents having property adjoining the alleyways will be provided with keys, the cost of erecting and installing the gates will be met by funding identified by the Community Safety Services. The Community Safety Services will manage all the work, installation etc.

4.3 It is proposed to prevent access to all traffic (including pedestrian) with the exception of residents, persons with the residents’ permission, persons having a private right of access and the Statutory Undertakers. Maps showing the alleyways subject of this application and the alternative routes are shown at Appendix A.

5 Comments on Traffic and Highway Issues

1. The alleyways to the rear of 63 to 87 Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 28 Bredbury Street, Chadderton, 2 to 12 Jane Street, Chadderton and 23 to 49 Gorton Street Chadderton. CSS 294.

These are adopted all purpose back streets, which give access to the rear of adjacent properties. There are nearby alternative footways and carriageways.

Page 7 of 37 12/04/2010 It is considered that there is no necessity for this highway to be part of the highway network.

2. The alleyways to the rear of 29 to 45 Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 46 Agnes Street, Chadderton and 1to 31 Bredbury Street, Chadderton. CSS 938.

These are adopted all purpose back streets, which give access to the rear of adjacent properties. There are nearby alternative footways and carriageways. It is considered that there is no necessity for this highway to be part of the highway network.

3. The alleyway to the rear of 1 to 5 Gorton Street, Chadderton and 350 to 352 Denton Lane, Chadderton. CSS 861.

This is an adopted pedestrian alleyway providing access to the rear of properties only and is not a through route. In view this provides local access only it is not necessary that this forms part of the highway network.

4. The alleyway to the rear of 24 to 50 Scholes Street, Chadderton. The alleyway to the rear of 62 to 76A (consecutive numbers) Higher House Close, Chadderton and the alleyways running between 20 & 22 Kingston Avenue, Chadderton and 76 and 76A Higher House Close, Chadderton (this is also the route of Public Footpath 57 Chadderton). CSS598

These in an un-adopted all purpose back streets, which give access to the rear of adjacent properties. This is also the route of Public Footpath 57. There are nearby alternative footways and carriageways. It is considered that there is no necessity for this highway to be part of the highway network.

Schedule

Highways to be gated

Highways in the Description Status Alternative Route Borough of Oldham 1. The alleyways to The alleyway to the Adopted all Bredbury Street, Jane the rear of 63 to 87 rear of Robinson St. purpose Street, Gorton Street Robinson Street, runs E to W for a alleyway and Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 28 distance of 69 both directions. Bredbury Street, metres and is 4 Chadderton, 2 to 12 metres wide. Jane Street, The alleyways to the Chadderton and 23 to rear of Bredbury 49 Gorton Street Street & Gorton Chadderton. CSS Street run in a 294. generally southerly direction for a distance of 61

Page 8 of 37 12/04/2010 metres and are 3 metres wide. The alleyway to the rear of Jane Street runs W to E for a distance of 27 metres and is 3 metres wide. There is also an unadopted garage area in the middle of these streets, accessed by the alleys; it measures 27 metres by 40 metres. 2. The alleyways to The alleyway to the Adopted all Agnes Street, the rear of 29 to 45 rear of Robinson purpose Robinson Street and Robinson Street, Street runs E to W alleyway Bredbury Street, both Chadderton, 2 to 46 for a distance of 59 directions. Agnes Street, metres and is 4 Chadderton and 1 to metres wide. 31 Bredbury Street, The alleyway to the including the rear of Agnes Street passageway at the runs NE to SW for a side of 31 Bredbury distance of 101 Street. CSS 938. metres and is of variable width from 4 – 11 metres wide.

The alleyway to the rear of Bredbury Street runs N to S for a distance of 55 metres and is 3.5 metres wide. The alleyway at the side of 31 Bredbury Street runs in an easterly direction for a distance of 9.5 metres and is 3.5 metres wide.

There is also an unadopted garage are in the middle of these alleys that measures 20 metres

Page 9 of 37 12/04/2010 at its widest point and then forming a triangle shape with the other two sides measuring 50 metres in length. 3. The alleyway to The alley runs in a Adopted No alternative route is the rear of 1 to 5 generally westerly pedestrian available, this is not a Gorton Street, direction for a alleyway, not through route. Chadderton and 350 distance of 27 a through to 354 Denton Lane, metres and it is 1.8 route. Chadderton. CSS metres wide. 861.

4. The alleyway to This alleyway runs This alleyway Higher House Close, the rear of 24 to 50 NE to SW for a is unadopted Scholes Street and Scholes Street, distance of 153 but is the Kingston Avenue, in Chadderton. The metres, at one end it route of a both directions. alleyway to the rear is 3 metres wide and Public of 62 to 76A at the other it is 2.4 Footpath No. (consecutive metres wide and 57 numbers) Higher there is a section Chadderton. House Close, part way along that It can also be Chadderton and the is 23 metres wide. used for alleyways running vehicular between 20 & 22 traffic. Kingston Avenue, Chadderton and 76 and 76A Higher House Close, Chadderton (this is also the route of Public Footpath 57 Chadderton). CSS 598.

6 Consultation

6.1 Consultation has taken place with 133 households (see Appendix B), along with the additional persons to be served with notices of orders, as listed in Statutory Instrument 2003 no.1479 such as Police, Fire, Ambulance, Statutory Undertakers. The Ramblers Association and Open Spaces Society have also been informed of this application. The proposals have also been raised at the ‘Rights of Way’ user group meeting on the 8 th July 2011.

Consultation with residents has been accomplished by writing letters and the receipt of resident petitions.

6.2 Results of the Consultation:

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Location Residents In Objectors No contacted Support reply

1. The alleyways to the rear of 63 to 47 40 1 6 87 Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 28 Bredbury Street, Chadderton, 2 to 12 Jane Street, Chadderton and 23 to 49 Gorton Street Chadderton. CSS 294.

2. The alleyways to the rear of 29 to 48 39 2 7 45 Robinson Street, Chadderton, 2 to 46 Agnes Street, Chadderton and 1to 31 Bredbury Street, Chadderton. CSS 938.

3. The alleyway to the rear of 1 to 5 7 7 0 0 Gorton Street, Chadderton and 350 to 352 Denton Lane, Chadderton. CSS 861.

4. The alleyway to the rear of 24 to 50 31 25 0 6 Scholes Street, Chadderton. The alleyway to the rear of 62 to 76A (consecutive numbers) Higher House Close, Chadderton and the alleyways running between 20 & 22 Kingston Avenue, Chadderton and 76 and 76A Higher House Close, Chadderton (this is also the route of Public Footpath 57 Chadderton). CSS 598.

6.3 Summary of Consultation:

A total of 133 households have been consulted with regarding the proposals for gating orders, 114 of them have replied to the consultation. 111 support the applications, and 3 have objected (see Appendix D). Therefore 83% of the people consulted with support the gating proposal (OMBC Policy on gating requires a minimum of 80% of persons consulted to be in favour). The residents supporting the proposal give a lot of anecdotal incidents of burglary, anti-social behaviour, annoyance, damage etc as their reasons for supporting the applications. All these replies are in the possession of the CSS and can, if required, be made available.

There is also an objection from the Ramblers Association regarding CSS 598, where they propose a timed gating order be imposed. (See Appendix D)

Page 11 of 37 12/04/2010 6.4 It is recommended that the proposal to gate the highways, detailed in the schedule at the end of this report, be advertised and where no objections are received the Order to gate shall be made, but where objections are unresolved the Traffic Regulation Order Panel will be used to determine the merits of the proposal.

7 Financial Implications

7.1 Revenue Implications: The Community Safety Unit has a budget of £132,000 in 2011-12 (with actuals and commitments to date totalling £45,245) for expenditure relating to the maintenance of alley gates. If the scheme is approved any maintenance expenditure incurred relating to this proposal can be met from this allocation.

7.2 Capital Implications The scheme, if approved, will be capital expenditure. The estimated cost of the gates is £9,000. A budget of £125,000 is available under Alley gating and Target Hardening. The total spend to date (including commitments) is £60,000, leaving a balance of £65,000. This balance has been allocated to schemes of which this gating order is one. (Nicola Harrop)

8 Human Resources

8.1 Not applicable

9 Legal Services’ Comments

9.1 The Council must be satisfied that the highways to be gated meet the statutory requirements set out in paragraph 1.3 of this report. (A Evans)

10 IT Implications

10.1 None.

11 Property Implications

11.1 None.

12 Procurement Implications

12.1 None

13 Environmental and Health & Safety Implications

13.1 Energy - Nil.

13.2 Transport - Nil.

13.3 Pollution - Nil.

Page 12 of 37 12/04/2010 13.4 Consumption and Use of Resources - Nil.

13.5 Built Environment - Nil.

13.6 Natural Environment - Nil.

13.7 Health and Safety - The proposal has no direct effect on health and safety issues in the area.

14 Equality, Community Cohesion and Crime Implications

14.1 The proposals will improve the security of residential properties in the areas, reducing the opportunity for crime and removing the fear of crime for residents.

14.2 The improved security of the area will enhance the feeling of well being and quality of life, positively affecting the liveability aspect of the community.

15 Equality Impact Assessment Completed?

15.1 No . During the consultation period of this ‘gating order’ application, consultation included exploration of disability and language issues. The approval rate has been achieved and there are no implications with these issues.

16 Key Decision

16.1 This is not a key decision.

17 Forward Plan Reference

17.1 No.

18 Background Papers

18.1 The following is a list of background papers on which this report is based in accordance with the requirements of Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. It does not include documents which would disclose exempt or confidential information as defined by the Act:

OMBC Gating Policy Officer Name: Mr Mike Farrell Contact No: 0161 770 1569

19 Appendices

19.1 Appendix A – Plans of Proposals & Alternative routes, if applicable. Appendix B – List of Properties/Agencies consulted with Appendix C - GMP Analysis of Crime/ASB in alleyways or near to location to be gated. Appendix D - Copy of objection sent in.

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Signed ______Dated ______Cabinet Member, Environment and Infrastructure

Signed ______Dated ______Executive Director

Report Tracking Where When EMT Leadership Joint Leadership Overview & Scrutiny

Page 14 of 37 12/04/2010 Appendix A

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Page 18 of 37 12/04/2010 Page 19 of 37 12/04/2010 Appendix B Alleygate Order 25 Mailing list

Residents

29 to 87 Robinson Street, Chadderton 1 to 5 & 23 to 49 Gorton Street, Chadderton 1 & 2 to 12 Jane Street, Chadderton 2 to 28 & 1 to 31 Bredbury Street, Chadderton 2 to 46 Agnes Street, Chadderton 350 to 354 Denton Lane, Chadderton 12 Ripon Close, Chadderton 24 to 50 Scholes Street, Chadderton 62 to 76B Higher House Close, Chadderton 20 to 22 Kingston Avenue, Chadderton

Emergency Services

Sgt. Gary Wheelhouse Oldham Police Divisional HQ Barn Street Oldham

PC Mike Evans GMP Traffic Management Unit Traffic Network Section Hardy Street Peel Green Eccles M30 7ND

Community Fire Safety Officers Greater Fire & Rescue Service Oldham Command HQ Chadderton Fire Station Broadway Chadderton Oldham OL9 0JX

Mr. Francis Dreniw General Manager PES Ambulance Service Bury Old Rd. Whitefield Manchester M45 6AQ

Page 21 of 37 12/04/2010 Mr. Steve Gill Sector Manager PTS Greater Manchester Ambulance Service Bury Old Rd. Whitefield Manchester M45 6AQ

Statutory Undertakers

Openreach (British Telecom) Repayments PP115 North Street Building Moor Lane Preston PR1 1BA

Energis Communications Streetworks Office Claremont House Croxley Business Watford Hertfordshire WA18 8TR

Easynet Telecom Ltd. 70 Buckingham Avenue Slough SL1 4PN

Norweb Distribution Asset Management Hathersage Road Manchester M13 0EH

Your Comms Hathersage Road Chorlton-on-Medlock Manchester M13 0EH

Virgin Media Matrix Court Siemens Way Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9BB

Page 22 of 37 12/04/2010 The National Grid Co. PLC PO Box 3484 NGT House (Electricity) Warwick Technology Park Gallows Hill Warwick CV34 6TG

National Grid Plant Protection (Gas mains) The Lakes Lakeside House Northampton NN4 7HD

United Utilities Plc Diversions Team 1st Floor Hawswater House Lingley Business Park Lingley Green Avenue Great Sankey WA5 3LP

Cable & Wireless c/o Atkins NRSWA Team PO Box 290 22 Aztec West Almondsbury Bristol BS32 4WE

Ramblers / Pedestrian Associations

Mr. John Walton The Ramblers Association 40 Taunton Road Chadderton Oldham OL9 0BE

The Peak and Northern Footpaths Society Taylor House 23 Turncroft Road Offerton SK1 4AB

Kate Ashbrook

Page 23 of 37 12/04/2010 Open Spaces Society 25A Bell Street Henley-on-Thames Oxon RG9 2BA

Page 24 of 37 12/04/2010 Appendix C

Page 25 of 37 12/04/2010 Robinson Street- Crimes and ASB 30/06/2010 to 29/06/2011

Page 26 of 37 12/04/2010 Agnes Street -Crime and ASB- 30/06/10 to 29/06/11

Page 27 of 37 12/04/2010 Gorton Street- Crimes and ASB 30/06/2010- 29/06/2011

Page 28 of 37 12/04/2010 Higher House Close, Chadderton- Crime and ASB-30/06/10 to 29/06/11

Appendix D

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Manchester and High Peak Area

Oldham Group

40 Taunton Road Chadderton Oldham OL9 0BE

0161 652 7718

email : [email protected]

Mr Shaun Cavill Crime Reduction Officer Community Safety Services Civic Centre Level 11 Oldham OL1 1UT

25 th July 2011

Dear Mr Cavill

Re : Application for gating orders no 25. Higher House Close, CSS 598 .

Further to my letter dated 16 th July, I have been to have a look at footpath 57 at Higher House Close. I have taken a number of photos and have counted the number of people walking the def line of the path, from Higher House Close to Kingston Avenue.

Photos

The photos were taken on Friday 15 th July at about 12.00 noon. The overall length of 57 is about 150m, with a section of a non def track about 50m long. There is a triangular section in the middle. I will describe the paths and the surrounding streets.

The street to the north is Higher House Close with a cul de sac of the same name to the west. Scholes Street is to the east with Kingston Avenue to the south. 57 runs from Higher House Close to Kingston Avenue, carrying on across Kingston Avenue as a wide vehicular track to the schools in the distance. I have taken 10 photos and I will describe them as follows:

Photo1 is taken from the cul de sac towards the triangle. It is a wide vehicular access track to the garages beyond, many of which do not appear to be in use.

Photo 2 is taken from the triangle looking towards the cul de sac.

Page 31 of 37 12/04/2010 Photo 3 is taken from Higher House Close along the first 25m of 57 towards the triangle. It is about 2m wide and not too bad as regards veg. There are no footpath signs at all.

Photo 4 is taken from the triangle along this 25m length of 57 towards Higher House Close.

Photo 5 is taken from the triangle in the direction of the other section of 57 towards Kingston Avenue. The triangle is open and relative clean. However the next section goes downhill dramatically!

Photo 6 shows the path which could be described either as leafy or badly overgrown in parts. A narrow path about 300mm wide can just be seen. I found it quite difficult to get through and this vegetation is likely to be a considerable deterrent for other users.

Photo 7 shows the path opening up slightly. There are a number of back gates on the right. There was a fair bit of litter etc along this section.

Photo 8 shows the path approaching Kingston Avenue. The path is passable although brambles are spreading across the path making passage hazardous.

Photo 9 shows the path, about 25m in length, just before Kingston Avenue being usable. When I first tried to use the path on Tuesday afternoon, I walked up from Kingston Avenue and then had to turn back as at first, I thought the path was unwalkable. I feel many others have tried to use the path and have given up, making this short section appear to be well used.

Photo 10 shows the path from Kingston Avenue. As before it looks reasonable but becomes almost impassable after about 25m.

Usage of this section of 57.

I went to the site on Tuesday 12 th July at 3.00pm. The weather was hot and sunny. I did not take my camera, but sat in the car for 30 min outside 39 Kingston Avenue, about 30m south of 57. This is the 25m long path shown in photo 10). During this time nobody used this 25m section although 20 people and 2 vehicles used the section of 57 on the SW side of Kingston Avenue. This is in the direction of the schools. The majority of these people walked up Scholes Street, but if 57 was cleared some may have used the true line of 57 towards Higher House Close.

I then went to Higher House Close and sat outside no 80 for the next half hour, but nobody used 57. After a while I gave up, to return later in the week to take photos in order to show a wider picture.

The section of 57 on the SW side of Kingston Avenue in the direction of the schools is a wide vehicular track is open and as seen above is well used. 40 people per hour!

Conclusions.

• The section from Kingston Avenue to the triangle should be cleared of veg and rubbish, making it usable.

• As regards gates, I think because of the nil usage when I was on site, the vehicular section from the cul de sac to the triangle could be gated (non def)

Page 32 of 37 12/04/2010 at either end and would stop vehicles etc from gaining access to the inner triangle.

• 57 could be gated at each end of Kingston Avenue and Higher House Close, on a timed gating order under section S129 of the Highways Act 1980. In fact a timed gating order under Section 129F has just been published for a similar path (non def) from Hampton Road to Roman Road, . It is a straight route to bus stops and schools.

Irk Vale

I have received a revised map of the proposed gating order at Irk Vale and will comment on this in a few days time.

Yours Faithfully

John Walton, Footpath Secretary Sent by email

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