Projects - north west

Below are the Operation Gate It projects for the North West of England. To view another region please return to the map and select a new region.

Blackburn

Physical improvements to create a safer community

A small area of land used by drug users was becoming of increasing concern to local residents. Located to the rear of an area of housing for elderly residents the privet hedge, trees and dense vegetation meant that a nearby alleyway was rarely used by residents who felt intimidated and insecure. 

With a grant from Operation Gate It and support from Groundwork Blackburn, local people agreed a number of design features to deter anti-social behaviour whilst making the elderly residents feel safer in their homes. 

A low wooden fence has been removed and replaced with a higher metal one which people can no longer hide behind. The fence has also been extended to close a cut-through, which provided an easy escape route. In addition, a dilapidated wall has been rebuilt in order to prevent people from dropping missiles at passers by. 

Sight lines have been opened up with the thinning and crowning of trees to allow more natural light through. The logs were shared with residents for firewood and the shredded remains used for mulch on residents’ flowerbeds. The alleyway has been resurfaced and two bollards restricting access to motor cycles installed. The project has also increased security by installing sensor lighting and CCTV cameras.