West Northamptonshire Council invites views on keeping alleyways closed

A consultation could see two alleyways in Northampton remain gated to tackle anti-social behaviour

A council has invited residents' views on renewing two public spaces protection orders (PSPO) in a town.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) introduced PSPOs covering Jeyes Jetty and Dunster Street in Northampton three years ago in response to issues of anti-social behaviour and nuisance.

A PSPO allows councils to impose restrictions on a defined area to tackle problem behaviour.

The consultation opened on Monday and closes at midnight on 19 November.

Jeyes Jetty is an alleyway connecting Drapery and College Street in Northampton town centre which was gated in 2021 following the death of a young man in 2019.

Dunster Street alleyway, which connects Dunster Street to St Michaels Road in the town, was also gated in 2021.

The Conservative-controlled council said the move came after the cut-through became a "hotspot" for arson, drug dealing, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.

The consultation will gather residents' views on extending the PSPO for a further three years, up to December 2026.

Councillor David Smith said: "We welcome the views of all local people and businesses and I hope people will take the opportunity to give us their feedback as part of this consultation."