Tipton residents hit out as path closed over to anti-social behaviour
Residents are up in arms after council bosses closed down a footpath which elderly people and parents rely on.
Campaigners say the path, based just off Central Avenue, Tipton, should be reopened after it was closed.
A petition was launched to get it reopened, attracting 250 signatures.
WATCH: Residents protest path closure
But Sandwell Council said the path had been blocked due to anti-social behaviour.
Rose Gaynor, who started the petition, said: “It’s causing a lot of problems because children have to walk to school.
“Their excuse was that they found needles in the gulley and this is the same old story.
“It’s causing a lot of heartache to a lot of people. It’s not just one person, it’s everyone that’s suffering.”
Ms Gaynor, a Tibbington Residents Association member, said: “It’s been used everyday until last summer.
"They waited for the children to break up then they closed it and we’ve been fighting to keep it open ever since. We want it open in the day.
“I’ve lived here most of my life and we all want to see the footpath reopened.”
Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “The gates were installed to block off this alleyway last year.
“This was done to prevent anti-social behaviour, which over a number of years has included people riding motorbikes illegally, fly-tipping and causing criminal damage to vehicles.
“We have tried a number of alternative measures to deal with this issue, however, this solution now seems the only way to ensure the area remains safe, particularly for those who live closest to the alleyway.”
