Three alleyways in Chester could remain gated for another three years as the council asks local residents whether the restrictions should stay in place.

Gates are currently in place on alleyways around Hazel Road, Thurston Road and Westminster Road, with the measures having been introduced in response to anti-social behaviour.

The three Chester locations covered by the consultation are the alleyways between Hazel Road and Downfield Road and Poplar Road; between Thurston Road and Green Lane; and between Westminster Road and Hamilton Street.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is now reviewing the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) which allow access through the alleyways to be restricted.

The orders are due to expire in October, meaning residents have the chance to influence whether the gates remain in place, are changed or are removed altogether.

PSPOs are used by councils to tackle activities in public places which are having a detrimental impact on the quality of life of local communities. In the case of the alley gates, they allow the council to restrict access where there has been evidence of persistent crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour.

The council says alley gating is only considered after other reasonable measures to tackle anti-social behaviour have been exhausted.

Councillor Stuart Bingham said: "The views of residents are important in helping us review these 14 alley gating Public Spaces Protection Orders."

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He added that the council wants to understand the impact the gates have had on reducing anti-social behaviour and crime, with feedback helping to inform future decisions.

Across Cheshire West and Chester, 14 alley gating PSPOs are being reviewed. Alongside the three Chester locations, there are orders covering areas of Ellesmere Port and one in Winsford.

For residents living around the three Chester alleyways, the consultation provides an opportunity to say whether they believe the gates have made a difference to their neighbourhoods.

The consultation closes on Wednesday 30 September.

Residents can submit their views through the council's online consultation, by email at [email protected], or by phoning 01244 973708, quoting 'alley gating PSPO Consultation'.

Feedback can also be submitted through post, at Cheshire West and Chester Council, Alley Gating PSPO consultation, Public Protection Service – Community Safety, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.

Further information on all current PSPOs for Cheshire West and Chester can be located here.