Problems on a street in Newcastle-under-Lyme where anti-social behaviour has been rife, fires have routinely started and residents sit awake a night wondering if they are the next ones to be targeted might finally be coming to an end.

This is because Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council are looking to install gates on the right of way between Beattie Avenue and Honeywood, Cross Heath.

Over the past few years this particular area has been hit by arson attacks targeting sheds and fences. Despite criminal investigations police have been unable to identify the culprits. 

The council has worked with Aspire Housing to replace 'easily targeted' fencing and hedges and replaced them with concrete fencing. Some residents have installed CCTV to attempt to catch individuals with nefarious intentions.

Funding for the gates has been sourced from Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner due to the high volume of anti-social behaviour and arson in the area.

In 2020 two incidents of fire were reported to the council by 2022 this had increased to five reported incidents and two reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Beattie Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme (Google).

In a verbal statement a council officer stated: "It does seem to be a seasonal issue, mainly from March to June where these properties are targeted, we are unsure what those reasons are.

"We need to provide a bit of reassurance to those properties in that location in regards to what we as a local authority are able to do to protect them and provide them some more safety."

Councillor Gill Williams (Lab), speaking at the authority's Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said he "fully agree with what you are planning to do" but raised concerns about the impact on dog walkers and cyclists and the increased traffic on Honeywood.

Residents also reported that a public meeting was held however many of them did not receive the letter until the day of the meeting or after, meaning many did not attend.

Beattie Avenue resident Lennard Dennis said: "I've had my shed burnt down, so this will be a good idea."

Another resident who did not want to be named added: "It's a good idea, it's going to inconvenience some people but the fires have hit nearly every property down here.. It has been an ongoing issue since June 2020. The gates will provide peace of mind, we've all been on edge, looking out of the windows at night when you hear something."

READ MORE: Police appeal for information after man threatened at knifepoint in Hanley

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