Vandals targeted the ‘EthelAthel’ alleyway community garden
A former trouble-spot alleyway in Cliftonville which has been turned into a community garden following a £31k government grant has been targeted by vandals.
The alleyway between Athelstan and Ethelbert roads was a fly-tipping hotspot, accounting for some 10% of all dumped items on the isle.
In 2021 the possibility of funding to gate the alleyway was raised and in 2023 a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling littering and antisocial behaviour in the area was approved.
Residents then worked on creating their gated community garden and have since held community activity days in the transformed alley.
The alleyway is flanked by back gardens of Athelstan and Ethelbert Roads and is gated.
But last month residents were upset to find toppled planters, vandalism and white paint thrown along the alley.
CCTV restriction
Despite having dedicated CCTV, paid for by the DEFRA funding, the culprits are not thought to have been caught on camera. This is because the CCTV only covers the entrance rather than the full length of the alley.
Athelstan Road Tenants and Residents Association (ARTRA) founder Matt Shoul said: “The community has literally put hundreds of hours over the past few years into clearing, maintaining and developing the alleyway community garden.
“Multi Agency Task Force officers, TDC Street Scene Enforcement officers, ward and cross party councillors and our MP have been invited to numerous annual community alleyway open day events.
“It’s imperative, moving forward, that the alleyway CCTV security system, very recently funded through central government, is known to be fully operational and able to provide video evidence, so these acts of criminal damage/vandalism can be dealt with.”
Kent Police confirmed one report of criminal damage. A spokesperson said: “Kent Police has received a report of criminal damage to the community garden on Ethelbert Road, Margate. The incident is alleged to have taken place on Wednesday 15 October.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 19-1448.”
Only alley entrance covered
Thanet council says the vandalism is ‘disappointing.’
A TDC spokesperson added: “The reports of recent vandalism of the Athelstan and Ethelbert alleyway in Cliftonville are very disappointing. The alley connects two roads in Cliftonville and has been transformed into a community garden, with funding from DEFRA.
“The alley is fitted with gates at each end that are secured with combination locks. Local residents have access to the code; the council does not change the combination at present.
“In addition to the locked gates, a CCTV camera covers the entrance to, but not the full length of, the alleyway.
“Local residents reported the vandalism; if Kent Police request it, we will review the CCTV footage.”
A meeting is due to take place next week between Mr Shoul, Street Scene Enforcement and CCTV officers and alleyway garden team leader Elizabeth Briggs to discuss focusing the CCTV on the 250m alleyway so future incidents can be recorded.
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