Alley-gates installed in Syke following attack

Three alley-gates have been installed in Syke after an elderly woman was attacked in the area.

Two of the gates have been located at each end of the alley between Greenbank Road and Maud Street, with a third located between properties facing Greenbank Road.

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “When installed correctly, alley-gates are an effective way of making communities feel safer. They control access to the back of vulnerable properties, making it much harder for burglars to gain entry or use alleys as an escape route, and greatly reduce the opportunities for young people to drink and take drugs down alleyways.

“They also help to create safe play areas for children, and there are fewer problems with dog fouling where they are installed. I believe these alley-gates will improve community spirit by giving residents back a sense of ownership of the alleys near where they live.”

The gates were erected as a result of partnership work between Rochdale Council’s Community Safety Team and Greater Manchester Police.