The installation of a lock on a gate at a private estate has sparked outcry – as it blocks walkers from using the popular route as a shortcut.

The management firm at Lakeside Avenue in Faversham, near Davington Primary School, took the drastic measure following reports of thefts and anti-social behaviour.

Trinity Estates told residents it placed the lock earlier this month after receiving support from those living on the private estate.

Dogwalkers, schoolchildren and fishermen are said to use the cut-through to avoid busy roads such as the Western Link, to access Sainsbury’s, the nearby fishing lake and more.

But the lock, which requires a code shared only with residents, has been installed on a gate towards the rear of the homes, meaning people cannot use the pathway as a shortcut.

While some have defended the move to protect residents from anti-social behaviour and theft, others have argued it has been a valued shortcut for years.

It has sparked a swirling debate on social media, with people arguing for and against the move.

Liam Ruth, who has friends and family on the estate, says it is used by schoolchildren, dogwalkers and those visiting the fishing lake.

“People have been using it for so long that it has become part of their daily routine and all of a sudden it gets shut off,” he said.

“People now have to go the long way around the Western Link.

“For the sake of security, some might say it’s not a problem taking the long way round.

“But people with children might not want them going around the main road and those with heavy fishing gear will have to take a longer route rather than cut through.”

The 31-year-old argues Faversham has always had a problem with anti-social behaviour, like most towns in Kent.

But he added: “I don’t see securing that gate makes any sense at all as it’s open.

“Anyone can make their way through the estate and the gate makes zero difference.

“They may use the alleyway as a rat run to get away but any young adult or teenager will be able to climb over it easily.

“It doesn’t make sense to shut the gate given the estate is so easily accessible.”

Arguments have been made online claiming the estate has now become a gated community.

Lakeside Avenue can still be accessed from Oare Road, but people can no longer cut through unless the gate has been left open or if they are residents who have a code for the lock.

Mr Ruth said: “I think if anyone feels they have the right to shut the gate off, it should be a gated community.

“If they want that level of security, it shouldn’t be publicly accessible.”

Kent County Council confirmed this week the area is “not a public right of way and is a private matter”.

However, walkers have been able to use the route for years since the estate was built by Redrow Homes.

KentOnline visited Lakeside Avenue this week to find out what residents make of the lock being installed.

David Willmott, 47, says he opposes it as he believes it was done without consultation.

“It stops people moving through,” he said.

“I appreciate there have been some burglaries and other anti-social behaviour around here but I don’t think it will solve it.

“A gated community would mean both ends of the road are closed off and that isn’t the case.

“This is a private area and it’s not a public right of way so nothing can be done, but a path used by dogwalkers seems like a sensible thing to keep.”

One resident says he “couldn’t give a monkey’s” if there is a lock on the gate but admits he doesn’t “see the point of it”.

“The school kids walk that way sometimes,” he added.

“I have never heard of any thefts in the area until this fiasco.”

Some residents have been impacted by crime in the area and are more supportive of the measures.

One resident said: “It is for security.

“We have lots of dogwalkers and we have had some anti-social behaviour.

“I had my own doorbell pressed at 1am before.”

A neighbour argues the gate will help prevent crime in the area.

“I am okay with people walking through as it is a nice area, but the issue we have is vandalism as it is a thoroughfare which encourages it,” he said.

“A couple of weeks ago, people tried to open car doors so the new lock discourages it.

“People can come from the other side of the estate, so it is not a gated community.”

Another resident added: “I understand there has been an increase in crime and I was told there had been a number of break-ins and cars had been either broken into or windows smashed so there is clearly a problem.

“As far as the lock is concerned, I would say it is private property and it’s not a public right of way, yet people are using it as such.”

However, he did concede the lock should have been installed when the development was completed.

Trinity Estates was contacted for comment.