Alley gating

The gating of alleyways is a useful tool for the reduction and prevention of burglary and criminal damage, and for reducing anti-social behaviour such as graffitti, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles.

It is only possible to gate an alleyway which is not a public right of way, and in most circumstances only privately owned alleyways are gated.

The process of gating an alleyway relies on teamwork from neighbours and it may be a good idea to set up a residents group. The tasks required will include:

checking on the ownership of the alleyway (the Land Registry can provide this, otherwise your title deeds may indicate)
getting consent from your neighbours who either jointly own the alleyway or have a right to access it
assessing whether planning permission is required (the council's planning services can advise)
ensuring service providers are aware of your intentions including water electricity and gas (if there is a manhole in the alleyway they may need access)
agreeing a budget with your neighbours, work out which of your neighbours may wish to contribute (opening a joint bank account is recommended)
finding a contractor (fencing companies will often be suitable) and agree a design, negotiate a cost and start date

Alley-gating scheme
The community safety team run an alley-gating scheme. Applications are accepted from private residents with access to privately owned alley-ways.

Please print and complete the application form (word) and read the information for applicants on the alley-gating scheme (word). Return the form to:
Community Safety Team, 5th Floor, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL

Unfortunately the team receive more applications than they have funds available so please pay close attention to the information required in the information for applicants (word).

Successful applications will have alley gates manufactured and installed by the council, with all residents with a right of access to the alleyway receiving a key. Residents will be responsible for maintaining the gates once installed.

Further information
The government's crime reduction website provides an Alley-gaters Guide to Alleygating, which will take you through the process.

For further information please contact the community safety team on (020) 8825 7600 or your local crime prevention officer on (020) 8825 1252.