After two years of determined negotiations and planning by Luton Business Improvement District (BID) a new 6ft tall double gate has been installed on Luton's Chapel Street to deter litter and anti-social behaviour.
The area between the NHS Walk In Centre and Nat West had previously been a source of frustration for local businesses and residents, with fly tipping and other crimes taking place in the alleyway.
Now, the new gates – erected in March – are preventing further fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour to the side of the NHS walk-in centre on Chapel Street which is a major entrance way into the town centre.
Fergus McLardy, BID Project Manager, said: "It has taken a lot of patience, but with support from businesses we have been able to install a gate – and the results have been almost instantaneous. The litter has gone, only local businesses can access the area and everyone has a code to get in and out.
"Our first meeting was in February 2017 at AW House and it was quickly apparent this was a problem that needed looking at. The wait has been worth it. This has been a long-term project many stakeholders involved, and we are delighted to have been able to make a significant improvement to the area, making it a nicer and safer place for people to work and visit.
For more information please call Luton BID Project Manager, Fergus McLardy on 01582 510657 or email info@lutonbid.org.