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Alley gates are being put up to help stop prostitution in a city suburb’s back streets, after complaints from residents.

The introduction of the gates along alleys behind Taffs Mead Embankment, Grangetown, follow concerns about condoms being found behind family homes.

Inge Hanson, who lives in nearby Dinas Street with her husband and nine-year-old son, said: “What I found in the alleys was not pleasant. I found several condoms and drug paraphernalia.”

She added: “I don’t want prostitutes plying their trade in my area. But they should be safe, it is unfortunate that they are doing what they do.

“I am sure they have serious problems and difficult lives but it is hard for residents to put up with what happens.”

The move has been welcomed by police in the area.

Simon Walker, PCSO for north Grangetown, said: “Alley-gating will help deny access to the lanes they are known to use.

“We patrol the area and we work closely with outreach workers, looking at what causes them to be in this work, whether it’s dependency on alcohol or drugs.

“The safety of the sex workers themselves is always a consideration we have to deal with.”

Grangetown councillor Ashley Govier said alley-gating would solve some of the issues but he had concerns it would just push the problem elsewhere.

He said: “It is difficult. Alley gates are the solution to the prostitution in Grangetown but it will not solve the wider issue of prostitution. They will just move on. My concern is it moves the girls into darker areas, putting them in areas which are less safe for them.”

His concerns were echoed by garage owner Michael Jerome, who said the issue had been a problem for the area “since they redeveloped the Bay”.

A Cardiff council spokeswoman said: “Through the Cardiff partnership, the council is continuing to work with council officers, health workers and the police to best safeguard the health and wellbeing of street workers and also minimise the effects on the local community.

“Alley-gating installation should be completed within the next two months.

“Only residents with keys to open the gates will be able to access the gated lanes.”