Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsResidents in Preston have reported tampering with locks on alley gates, including on Manchester Road in Frenchwood. Preston City Council described the damage as criminal damage, according to a report published on 3 October 2026. The available accounts do not identify who caused it or establish that the gates have reduced crime.
What was reported about the gates?
The 1 News report says residents reported that locks on some alley gates had been tampered with and substances put into them. It names Manchester Road in Frenchwood. The report attributes the description of the damage as criminal damage to Preston City Council; it does not provide an incident total or identify any suspects. The 1 News report, 3 October 2026.
The report also says Councillor Connor Dwyer said damaged gates and locks would be repaired and nearby residents informed. He described visible patrols at key times and community protection warnings for repeated antisocial behaviour. No repair timetable or patrol schedule is stated in the report.
Why are alley gates installed?
Preston City Council says its Public Spaces Protection (Gating in the City of Preston) Order 2023 allows specified alleyways to be closed with locked gates to help reduce criminal and antisocial activity. The gates are therefore part of a public-space order, rather than simply private household hardware. Preston City Council’s Alley Gates page.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The 1 News report puts the scale at about 125 streets with alley gates. That is the report’s approximate figure; the council page reviewed for this article does not confirm it as an official or current total.
Who can use the gated alleys?
Under the council’s description of the order, access is permitted for adjoining property owners or occupiers, emergency services and statutory service providers. The council says pedestrians can take alternative routes through adjoining streets.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What have residents said about the gates?
Consultation comments reported by The 1 News were mixed. Some respondents said gates improved security or reduced nuisance, theft and drug-related activity. Others raised concerns about fly-tipping by keyholders and gates being left open. These are residents’ accounts, not an independently measured assessment of crime or proof that the gates caused those outcomes.
The report also quotes one Ainslie Road resident in Plungington calling for gates and reporting increased drug dealing. That is the resident’s account, not a verified finding of a trend.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Councillor Connor Dwyer was quoted as saying: “The council has listened to the feedback from the consultation and responded to concerns about antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping.” The statement is quoted in the news report, rather than linked to a council transcript.
Has Preston measured whether the gates cut crime?
The reviewed report and council page do not give a named crime-reduction statistic or a measured before-and-after result. Residents’ descriptions of changes in nuisance, theft or drug-related activity can explain why some people support the gates, but they cannot establish their overall effect. The report’s headline describes the gates’ intended purpose, not a quantified result.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What is the status of the council consultation?
Preston City Council’s page describes a proposal to extend existing gating orders until 19 October 2029 without changing current arrangements. It lists 1 September 2026 as the consultation deadline. That date has passed; the reviewed page does not state the consultation outcome, so no decision should be inferred from the proposal alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
