Proposal to gate the alleyway between 195 and 197-199 High Street, Cheltenham

Paved alleyway leading from the High Street to Albion Walk

Alleyway leading from the High Street to Albion Walk

The proposed order will restrict the use of the alleyway between 195 and 197-199 High Street which leads from the High Street through to Albion Walk and Albion Street. The order will:

  • remove public right of way (PROW) from the alleyway at all times. Access will only be for emergency services and others authorised by the council
  • authorise the erection of gates at either end of the alleyway. One set between 195 and 197 High Street and the other in the restricted area onto Albion Walk

Vehicles and pedestrians can access Albion Walk from Albion Street.

The order is proposed to be in effect for one year and will be reviewed after a six-month period. At that time a decision will be made whether to extend the period of the order.

Please scroll down for details of how to take part in the consultation.

Reasons for the proposed PSPO

We are proposing that the PSPO is necessary to prevent anti-social behaviour in the restricted area.

The location of 195 to 197-199 High Street is in the heart of Cheltenham town centre close to the Promenade which leads to Montpellier. Cheltenham is steeped in culture and Regency charm, as well as being a popular retail destination, with a host of much-loved shops and dining outlets. The alleyway is in full view of members of the public and is next to a large high street retailer and a new café premises. Despite the exploration of other preventative measures, ongoing anti-social and criminal behaviours at this location have continued to significantly impact residents, visitors, businesses and partner agencies.

Further details of the order

As set out above, the alleyway is currently a public right of way through to Albion Walk and Albion Street, although the footfall from the High Street is low. Alternative access to both Albion Walk and Albion Street has been outlined below should the order be enforced.

The proposed length of the restriction is 20.1 metres, starting at the entrance to the alleyway on the High Street, leading towards Albion Walk.

Map showing the length of the proposed restriction

Alternative access for pedestrians

Pedestrians can access Albion Walk from the High Street via North Street, turning right into Albion Street and right again into Albion Walk; or via Pittville Street, turning left into Albion Street and left again into Albion Walk.

In the other direction, pedestrians can access the High Street from Albion Walk via Albion Street, turning left into Albion Street and left again into North Street, or right into Albion Street and right again into Pittville Street.

Map showing alternative route from Albion Walk along Albion Street and North Street to High Street

Take part in the consultation

If you would like to comment on, support or make an objection to the proposed order please use our online survey:

Online survey

The consultation period will run for six weeks from Tuesday 17 September until Thursday 17 October 2024.

Alternatively you can respond by sending us an email at: [email protected] or writing to: The Neighbourhood Team, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 9SA.

Data supporting the proposal

Incidents in the area reported to CBC between 2021 and 2023

Location

Reported incidents (2021 to 2023)

Case reference numbers

Boots

5 incidents relating to rough sleeping, wellbeing, drinking alcohol and being rowdy, human faeces and threats.

 

10 incidents (6 relating to alley and High Street) of threatening words, verbal abuse, possession of offensive weapon, violence.

Case 5040

Case 5039

Albion Walk

4 breaches of civil injunction (begging in alleyway).

 

9 reports of anti-social behaviour.

Case 4266

 

Incidents for High Street reported to the police from 1 April 2023 to 6 November 2023

Day

Incident type

Number of incidents

Monday

ASB personal

5

Monday

ASB nuisance

17

Monday

ASB environmental

3

Monday

Other crime

10

Monday

Theft by shoplifting

18

Monday

Total

53

Tuesday

ASB personal

3

Tuesday

ASB nuisance

18

Tuesday

ASB environmental

1

Tuesday

Other crime

16

Tuesday

Theft by shoplifting

24

Tuesday

Total

62

Wednesday

ASB personal

2

Wednesday

ASB nuisance

15

Wednesday

ASB environmental

1

Wednesday

Other crime

10

Wednesday

Theft by shoplifting

12

Wednesday

Total

40

Thursday

ASB personal

3

Thursday

ASB nuisance

17

Thursday

ASB environmental

0

Thursday

Other crime

16

Thursday

Theft by shoplifting

14

Thursday

Total

50

Friday

ASB personal

2

Friday

ASB nuisance

15

Friday

ASB environmental

0

Friday

Other crime

18

Friday

Theft by shoplifting

14

Friday

Total

49

Saturday

ASB personal

7

Saturday

ASB nuisance

13

Saturday

ASB environmental

2

Saturday

Other crime

13

Saturday

Theft by shoplifting

11

Saturday

Total

46

Sunday

ASB personal

2

Sunday

ASB nuisance

27

Sunday

ASB environmental

1

Sunday

Other crime

8

Sunday

Theft by shoplifting

6

Sunday

Total

44

Grand total

All incidents

344