A CHANGE to 'beef up' security gates planned for either end of a church passageway in Weymouth has been approved.

The cut-through, at Holy Trinity, has been a problem area for years with claims of mis-use including drug-dealing, sex, and the area being used as a toilet.

This week the passageway was being used overnight accommodation by two rough sleepers.

A decision was taken more than a year to close the passage at night with new gates at either end. Changes have now been agreed to the approved, original design, to make the gates more secure.

A perforated metal sheet will now be fitted to the inner side of both gates, to stop people putting their hands through the metalwork or pushing objects inside.

The passage is not legally part of the public highway and is classed as a private thoroughfare so can be closed without the need for that is known as a “stopping up” legal order.

The church, dating from 1834, is a dominant Weymouth landmark overlooking the Town Bridge and alongside Chapelhay Steps.

Said a planning agent acting for the Church in the original application, which was submitted last autumn: “The passage is open to the public and for many years has been the site of social disturbance, providing a covered area for homeless persons, drug taking and the drinking of alcohol. This has resulted in church and council operatives having to clean out the passage most days to ensure that it is safe. Soliciting and prostitution has also been witnessed in the passage. In order to ensure that this disturbance is brought to an end the church proposes that the gates are reinstated at each end of the passage in their original positions.”

The new gates, made of galvanised metal, will be hung to enable an emergency exit, opening outwards, from the church crypt but will not be capable of being opened from the outside.

A footway, at ground level above the passageway provides an alternative route to having to use the passageway.

Pictures – The passageway – from east and west approaches The church with the passageway below.

Illustration – Drawing of the gates, yet to be installed.