§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to allow local authorities to close off alleyways causing a public nuisance if requested to do so by the police; and if he will make a statement. [146577]
§ Mr. HillThe Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives local highway authorities powers to make special extinguishment and special diversion orders for closing or diverting public rights of way (which may include alleyways) for the purpose of preventing or reducing crime where premises near a right of way are affected by high levels of crime and the existence of that right of way is facilitating the persistent commission of offences.