Road barriers have been put in place at the top of South Street in Sheffield, to stop anti-social gatherings after a resident led campaign.
The Park Hill campaign group, Friends of Skyeline, said residents don’t feel safe at night due to threatening groups congregating in their neighbourhood.
The group’s co-founder, Sam Gregory, said: “There’s been reports of using drugs, dealing, loud music at 3am, illegal obstruction of the highway as well as much more serious reports from women in the area.
They’ve been threatened with rape and sexual assault.”
Sheffield City Council has closed the road to cars for up to 18 months with the aim of making it safer for residents.
By making less space for cars to park there at night, Friends of Skyeline hope the area will become less attractive to those who currently congregate there.
The anti-social behaviour has been going on for 10 years, as has Mr Gregory’s personal campaigning.
He said: “I think if this were allowed to go on, many people feel something awful could happen.”
Friends of Skyeline said: “There’s definitely a sense that there’s been a positive improvement in the neighbourhood since the barriers went in.”
A few residents are concerned about the anti-social behaviour being displaced further down South Street.
Friends of Skyeline are working with council officers and the police to increase the number of daily patrols.
Mr Gregory said: (we want to) “make it clear that those who want to harass lone women and intimidate our neighbours aren’t welcome in Norfolk Park.”
A public consultation on the road closure is open until 20 October, after which a decision will be made on whether to remove, alter or make the restrictions permanent.
The public are invited to comment on the restrictions.
Sheffield City Council has said if the traffic restrictions were made permanent, a redesign of the area and funding for a pocket park would be considered.
Sam Gregory said: “The long term plan is to transform the area into Sheffield’s newest pocket park. We want to co-design it with the community and listen to what they want and need.
“This would build on the success of the pocket parks that have been pioneered in this city- small but perfectly formed public spaces that bring real benefits to the neighbourhood.”
Read more about Friends of Skyeline here.
Video credit Gabriella Whiston