Gates will curb Sidmouth antisocial behaviour

Sidmouth town-centre residents plagued by revellers urinating on their houses and causing disturbances hope curbing the problem will be an open and shut case for police.

Sergeant Andy Squires thinks an ‘alley gating’ initiative that proved successful in his Exmouth days will transfer to his new patch and save his officers’ time.

He expects the move to tackle antisocial behaviour in the nooks and crannies at Edbon Court, where residents welcome the proposals.

“This is an ongoing problem – the gates will allow us to focus elsewhere,” said Sgt Squires.

He added that residents had looked into the idea before but it had not been possible to coordinate the finances.

Sgt Squires has now secured around £1,000 of the £1,500 cost of the gates, and is looking for other sources of funding.

Steve Chalkley, who has lived in Ebdon Court for six years, said: “These gates are going to be a big help, not just for residents but also the businesses.”

He and his wife, Debbie, spend their Saturday nights getting woken by men and women using their street as a toilet, smoking and causing damage.

Steve said there were issues every night the weather is fair, and nuisance can last from 11am until 3am – but if they report incidents the perpetrators have normally left by the time the police arrive.

“Andy is a very proactive officer, he told us his glass is half full – that really is welcome to have him willing to do something about it,” he said.

“It’s not just public relations.”

Debbie added: “We had a security light added, but that just let them see what they were doing – this will prevent it happening.”

The gates will be subject to planning permission.