Residents clash over crime hotspot

RESIDENTS on a Warrington estate have clashed over a plan to seal off a passageway alleged to be plagued by crime and anti-social behaviour.
One group wants the passageway to be gated at each end to keep trouble-makers out.
The other wants it kept open because they say it is a useful shortcut when going shopping or to catch a bus.
Members of the borough council’s traffic committee have to reach a decision next week.
Officers are recommending the committee to agree to the closure.
The passageway links Canberra Square and Greenwood Crescent, at Orford.
Some time ago, the council received a request from residents, supported by a local councillor, for the passageway to be gated at both ends.
They claim crime and anti-social behaviour in the area is caused by people using the passageway.
Councillor officers have consulted 104 local residents, emergency services, health groups, user groups and utility companies – and as a result three objections were received.
All claimed the closure would result in them having to walk greater distances and denied there was any significant crime or anti-social behaviour problem. Some claimed to be disabled.
But official crime statistics indicated that the passageway contributed to persistent levels of crime in the area.
Officers measured the longest extra walk for residents would be 372 metres which was not considered unreasonable.
Officers say arrangements can be made for disabled residents with mobility problems to have a key for the gates.
*Nearby residents have also requested that a passageway at the rear of Winwick Road, Warrington, connecting to Currans Road, be sealed off because of crime in the area. A survey in the area showed that respondents were unanimously in favour of the passageway being gated at each end.