7/3/2008

Local News in Fleet

‘Offensive’ gates will be removed promises bank

The gates which have “caused uproar in the village”,

Metal gates put up outside a bank in Hartley Wintney have ignited concerns from a resident who says they have created a secluded place for troublesome youths to hide in.

A villager living near the NatWest bank in The Row says a lack of a view through the solid galvanised gates, installed to replace wooden ones previously surrounding the bank’s staff car park, has provided youths with the perfect area to drink and smoke drugs out of sight.

The man, who does not wish to be named, told the News he had seen groups of up to 20 young people gather behind the gates at weekends, with smaller packs of around five hanging around the area during weekdays.

He said: “Big roving groups of kids are a problem in Hartley Wintney and this development in the village has only added to the issue.
“I have seen groups of young people drinking and smoking pot behind them.
“They are using it to hide and avoid being seen by security cameras and police.

“The mark on the NatWest building dates back to 1745 so it is obviously a very old building and it deserves to be treated with more respect.
“This kind of gate might be suitable on an airport hangar but not on a Grade I listed building.
“They are extremely offensive and have caused uproar in the village.”

NatWest spokeswoman Susan Turnbull said the gates currently in place were ordered by mistake and that the bank had planned to install ornate-style metal railings that were more in keeping with the tone of the village.

She added: “Following information that we have received from yourselves that people in the village are concerned about youths hiding behind the gates, we will be removing them imminently.

“We are very concerned and keen to help if anyone has any problems. But bearing in mind a lot of the activity residents say they are concerned about is going on out of hours, I would advise them to contact the local police.
“They will then get in touch with us and we will work together to resolve it.

“We would not want people who are worried to wait until the next day to go into the branch and report it to a member of staff.”

Ms Turnbull said the appropriate department at the bank would be working with Hart District Council to ensure the gates were replaced with something that met both villagers’ expectations and planning requirements.

She added: “Regrettably, the wrong gates were ordered. As soon as they arrived we realised the mistake and ordered the correct gates.

“Visibility would not have been a problem with the metal railing gates, as you would be able to see straight through them.

“We apologise to residents and realise that they are not in keeping with the nature of the village and not what residents wanted.
“The problem will be addressed with the arrival of new gates.”

Hampshire police said they had not received reports from residents of youths congregating behind the gates or using the area to take drugs or drink alcohol.

Pc Michael Ames, the neighbourhood officer for Hartley Wintney, said: “We are committed to reducing antisocial behaviour in communities so that they are a safe place to live and work.”

To report a crime contact Hampshire Police on 0845 0454545. For non-emergency antisocial behaviour, community safety advice and information call 101. To report a crime anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

First printed in: Fleet News and Mail