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.
“We’d especially like to thank Richard Gedall from My Estates for getting permission to use the electricity from one of the buildings free of charge and Mamoun Abhare from Mango Dry
Cleaners who has supported the BID throughout and helped liaise with the businesses in the area.”
Mamoun Abhare from Mango Dry Cleaners said “Thank you to Luton BID for installing the gate, it has made a great difference to the area, it already feels cleaner and safer because the fly tipping has stopped and only those with the right can get in. It has taken a long time and a lot of work but I am glad we have kept going because it has improved the area so much.”
For more information please call Luton BID Project Manager, Fergus McLardy on 01582 510657 or email info@lutonbid.org.