RESIDENTS and councillors are furious after plans to install gates in a ‘drug alley’ were vetoed by another councillor at the last minute.

Conservative councillor John Slater blocked the move to fit alley gates at the rear of Broadfold Avenue, Little Harwood, Black-burn, at a recent neighbourhood board meeting.

Residents had fought for more than a year to get the gates installed after problems with drug dealers and speeding motorists.

In November last year, it was announced that funding had been secured for the gates, following a petition by the residents.

However, it has emerged that the cash was withdrawn after Coun Slater, Conservative member for Neighbourhoods, rejected the decision to fit the gates.

Residents and Little Harwood councillor Pat McFall reacted angrily to the decision claiming that the alley was ‘extremely dangerous’.

But Coun Slater, executive member for neighbourhoods and customer services, said: “This particular scheme does not qualify at the present time. I have requested further information and subject to what that says, I am prepared to revisit this at a later date.

“Any schemes have to fit the criteria which has been laid down for alley gating.”

A resident, who has lived in the area for 13 years and wished to remain anonymous, said: “I am furious and disgusted that it was approved and now it has been rejected for no apparent reason.

“The alley is getting worse with drug dealers and people zooming up and down it in their cars.

“There are loads of families with children around here and leaving it as it is just not safe.”

Coun Mcfall has vowed to fight the decision. She said: “I am very cross to be truthful and I have no idea why the brakes have been put on this scheme.

“The whole point of neighbourhood boards is to make decisions that will benefit the area and these gates would have improved matters on Broadfold Avenue.”