SIR - As a resident of Alison Way, living adjacent to the controversial gate onto Oram's Arbour, I read the article in the Chronicle (August 7) with amazement.

The escalating anti-social behaviour has considerably reduced since the keypad was attached to the gate.

Unless one has lived with that anti-social behaviour it may be difficult to appreciate it.

There are no public toilets on, or near the Arbour, so the shrubbery next to the gate and the steps leading from it, had become that convenience, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Not only have we had to frequently hose down the urine from the gateway and steps, but we have also cleared away used condoms and needles from the shrubbery.

The nightly noise and verbal abuse associated with these activities has also had to be tolerated.

The police and community support officers have regularly been called and applauded the changes.

This gateway was previously bricked up for over 20 years, and nobody then worried about walking the extra 20 yards along the adjacent path.

A path which is lit and follows the wall, but on the arbour side, leading to exactly the same destination.

If the protestors feel so strongly about keeping the gate open, perhaps we can have some volunteers for the clean-up rota.

Dr and Mrs A R Isbister, Alison Way, Winchester.