2,000 sign petition to close attack alley

Friends and relatives of murder victim Shane Watson joined a meeting calling for the alleyway where he was attacked to be shut – as it was revealed more than 2,000 people have signed a petition supporting the move.

Around 100 people attended the meeting chaired by police and councillors almost two weeks after the 23-year-old was attacked close to his Sedgley home.

Concerns were raised about drug users congregating in the passage off Springfield Grove amid claims that residents' complaints have been ignored for years.

The Police and Communities Together meeting held at Sedgley's Dormston School – where Mr Watson was a former pupil – was dedicated to a discussion on what should be done.

Mr Watson, who lived in Monument Lane, suffered serious head injuries in the attack on July 28 and was taken to hospital but died soon afterwards.

A petition collected by residents and local businesses has so far reached 2,000.

During last night's meeting residents said trees and bushes should be cut back and CCTV installed. They also suggested improved lighting and installing gates.

Mr Watson's aunt, Amanda Rollinson, aged 49, said: "I've grown up here and I have seen how it has gone over the years. The alley is fine during the day but when it gets dark it is so dangerous. Something has got to be done."

Shylon Wishart, 19, of North Springfield, and James Cartwright, 18, of Sandyfields Road, both from Sedgley, have been charged with the murder. A trial date has been provisionally set for April next year.