Government Planning inspectors have faced criticism following their decision this week to overturn plans to tackle high crime in parts of Rusholme.
The Council, backed by residents and Rusholme's Councillors, planned to close a notorious alleyway between Dickenson Road and Norman Road in Rusholme. But a Government Inspector has thrown out the proposals.
"This is a terrible decision for the people living next to this alleyway," said Rusholme Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Shannon, who spoke in favour of the proposed alleygating scheme at December's Public Inquiry.
Fellow Rusholme Councillor Lynne Williams added:
"Residents who've been burgled because of this alleyway are very upset. Rusholme's 3 Liberal Democrat Councillors will be fighting this all the way. This decision is inexplicable. It is a bad judgement, and we shall be urging the Council to take this all the way to the High Court."
Ends
Note to Editors:
In a decision dated 18th January 2006, the Inspector found that:
- "the premises adjoining or adjacent to the footpaths are clearly affected by high levels of crime, particularly burglary, and the footpaths are facilitating the persistent commission of criminal offences."
- "there would be sufficient benefits in preventing and reducing crime…to make it expedient to close the footpaths."
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