Northampton town centre alleyways kept closed due to anti-social behaviour

West Northamptonshire Council said three alleyways in Northampton will remain gated to tackle anti-social behaviour

Three town centre alleyways are to remain closed off in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime.

West Northamptonshire Council said public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) covering Jeyes Jetty, Dunster Street and Marble Arch in Northampton would run for a further three years.

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

The alleys have been gated for a number of years, with the council "committed to tackling anti-social behaviour".

Jeyes Jetty is an alleyway connecting Drapery and College Street in the 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 Michael's Road, 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.

Marble Arch, which connects Barrack Road and Ash Street, was first gated in 2018 due to "persistent illegal activities and anti-social behaviour" and its PSPO has been renewed for a second time.

The extension of the PSPOs followed a public consultation, the council said.

David Smith, council cabinet member for community safety, said: "By having these alleyways remaining closed I am confident we will continue to see a reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in Northampton."