The offending laneway between Chestnut and Magnolia Streets. Photo: Shire of Esperance.
Castletown residents are blaming a right-of-way for property damage, break-ins and disturbance to their homes.
Esperance Shire Council is considering closing the old dunny lane running along the boundaries of four house blocks between Chestnut and Magnolia Streets in Castletown.
The owner of one of the homes, Dustin Hunter, wrote to request the closure for safety reasons.
“For years, this alleyway has been frequently used as an escape route by individuals involved in unlawful activities, resulting in an increase in break-ins and disturbances in the area,” he wrote.
“These incidents have not only caused property damage but have also left my family and neighbours feeling unsafe within our homes.”
Two other neighbours wrote letters of support.
“Individuals frequently use it as an escape route, contributing to a concerning increase in in break-ins and other suspicious activities,” neighbour Jim Loffler wrote.
“Additionally, there have been repeated instances of people deliberately kicking the fence along the alleyway, provoking our family dog.
“These actions agitate him, and on occasion, this has resulted in him jumping the fence in response.”
Planning officers recommended the requested closure go ahead as there was no nearby school, none of the four adjoining neighbours objected, and it had already been advertised for 35 days.
The Water Corporation had no objection as long as access to its access chamber and sewer pipe had clear access for maintenance.
Council is expected to vote on the matter this Tuesday.
