An ancient town shut has been controversially blocked off after hypodermic needles were found in a doorway – sparking protests among residents.
Malcolm Eade, a resident and business owner in Frankwell, put up the metal gate between 111 and 112 Frankwell three weeks ago because he said it was becoming a haven for anti-social and criminal behaviour.
But many locals, some of whom have been using the passageway for decades, have been left furious about the decision to close the shortcut which links Nettles Lane in Mountfields to the main Frankwell area and shops.
Mr Eade, who has lived in the area for two years, said: “I was coming out and finding hypodermic needles stuck in the door and vomit on the doorstep. There is a big problem with anti-social behaviour in the passageway which seems to have got worse over the last 12 months.
“It isn’t a pleasant place to be at night – the security lighting is deliberately smashed, cars parked at the back have been damaged and people have tried to break into them.
“Graffiti has appeared in the passageway and it has had to be painted over at least three times in 12 months. It is not a public right of way and I own it.
“I have contacted police, and since I put up the gate there has been a vast improvement.”
Mandy Bishton, landlady of the Anchor Inn nearby, said: “I have spoken to lots of regulars who are very unhappy about it being closed off. Some have been using it for several decades but I do sympathise with why Mr Eade has done it – we do have a problem in the area with drug addicts.” But local resident John Davies said he disagreed with Mr Eade’s actions. He said: “I have some sympathy with why he has done it but I think he has gone about it in completely the wrong way. I personally have never seen any problems and I used the shut regularly.”
Simon Alton, for Shropshire Council, said: “The shut leading to Nettle Lane is not recorded as an official right of way on the definitive map, and we have been made aware of some issues surrounding it. If there is evidence that people have used it as a thoroughfare then an application can be made to the council to add it as an official right of way under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.”
PC Mike Dulson, local police officer, said: “Police are aware of concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour in the passageway and the local policing team for the area is monitoring the situation and carrying out patrols.
“We would urge anybody who witnesses such behaviour in the area to report it to police at the time on 0300 333 3000.”