Gate scheme to foil yobs and fly-tippers

A Staffordshire road could be closed off with a gate to cut down on anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

Staffordshire County Council has proposed a gating order in Reservoir Road, near to its entrance over Hednesford Hills.

The order will prevent access to the road for all traffic at all times except for pedestrian access to tackle problems with litter and rubbish being dumped on the road. There are no alternative routes for traffic but horse riders and cyclists can make use of nearby bridleways and paths.

A county council spokesman said: "The council is satisfied that premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway are affected by crime or anti-social behaviour and the existence of the highway is facilitating the persistent commission of criminal offences."

Hednesford town councillors have supported the gating order on condition that access is maintained for meetings at Hednesford Hills Raceway.

Town council chairman Doris Grice said: "If the county council do put a gate there, I would like to see it opened on the days when the raceway has organised meetings.

"The raceway should have a key or some way to keep the access open for the people to get their cars and vehicles up there."

Councillor Zaphne Stretton, a member of Cannock Council's planning committee, said: "We went up there recently on a site visit, and it was really dreadful.

"There was a lot of mess up there, and if this helps to stop it, then it is a good thing but it does need to be opened up for the raceway."

Anyone wishing to make representations on the proposal in Reservoir Road have until October 11 to contact the county council.

Written representations should be sent to John Tradewell, director of law and governance, 16 Martin Street, Stafford, ST16 2LG quoting reference HT438F.