NINE problematic laneways are being closed across Tolland to reduce a spate of crime.
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The state government has committed $830,000 to head the project aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour, with the support of local police and Wagga City Council.
Works on closing a laneway between Glenfield Road and Brooks Circuit, two laneways between Glenfield Road and Bingham Place and Kenny Place, and the laneway between Red Hill Road and Jordan Place started earlier this month and are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
It follows the successful closure of five laneways between Red Hill Road and Bingham Place, and Glenfield Road and Edgehill, Flynn, Melba and Davies Places.
“All of these laneways have been identified as major contributors to anti-social behaviour in the area as they are being used for illicit activities and as an escape route to evade law enforcement," a Family and Community Services spokesman said. "Closure of the laneways is part of a strategy to reduce crime in the area. The effectiveness of the laneway closures will be measured through crime statistics and client feedback after the project is completed.”
It follows a number of laneways being closed across Glenfield Park in 2013 under a program unofficially dubbed the ‘Tolland Strategy'.
Wagga police have welcomed the project, describing it as a positive step forward.