CALLS for a nightmare sex alleyway to be gated have been supported by an MP.
Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has agreed that residents of Pool Passage in Brighton should be granted a gate at one end of the alley outside their home, which has become a hotspot for drug taking and sex acts.
Hughie and Chris O’Neill have been experiencing antisocial behaviour in the narrow pathway which runs alongside their home since they moved in two years ago.
Brighton and Hove City Council has also agreed that action needs to be taken, though said only one end of Pool Passage can be gated due to public right of way issues.
Now, amid what has called an “extreme” situation, residents are hopeful their agony will soon end with help of their MP.
“I have been in touch with residents, the police and the local council about this situation, to try and expedite a solution,” said Ms Lucas.
“I have supported residents and ward councillors’ call for gating at least at one end. I understand that decisions to cut off public access are difficult, but this appears to be an extreme case, and residents have been suffering for a long time from the behaviour taking place.”
Mr and Mrs O’Neill have even offered to pay for the gate themselves.
Councillor Tom Druitt also showed his support for partially restricted access to the alleyway.
“I have been chasing an update from the council who are currently doing some work behind the scenes on the request for some sort of gating for Pool Passage,” he said.
“I’ll keep pushing and hope to have more details soon.”
It is not clear which end of Pool Passage will be gated, should permission be granted.
Hughie installed a CCTV camera above the alleyway when the issues began, though this has done little to deter the behaviour.
Speaking previously on the circumstances outside his home, Hughie, 70, said: ““Nearly every day we have drug dealers, people taking drugs, people pooing outside our front door. Regularly people are peeing, shouting, screaming.
“I just wish they knew the effect it has on us, and how it affects our lives, my family’s life.”
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