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.
A public consultation on the road closure is open until October 20, 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”.
Sam said the anti-social behaviour has been going on for 10 years, as has his 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.”
The group are working with the council as well as the police about any further incidents.
Read more about Friends of Skyeline here.
Video credit Gabriella Whiston