COUNCIL bosses have pulled the plug on schemes to cut crime in Accrington streets.

Alley-gating, or blocking up back streets, protects householders from criminals who target the rear of homes.

The council applied to the magistrates court to close off the back alleys of Russia Street and Swiss Street, and Blackburn Road and College Street, protecting 60 properties.

But the idea has been scrapped after fears the applications might be unsuccessful, which could harm future schemes by setting an unwanted precedent.

Coun Peter Clarke said the scheme did not have the required 95 per cent approval rate from those affected.

The 'stopping up' was to be funded by a lottery grant, so the council will be looking at other ways to spend the money on the streets.

Colin Heaton, 42, of Russia Street, said: "I personally think it's a good idea. I have a garage on the back so it would be better for me. But it would be better all round.

"A lot of rubbish is dumped there, and it would become quite obvious if there was rubbish there that it was somebody living there."

And nearby resident Freddy Rafiq said: "Blocking the alleys is a good idea, it stops people going down them."

Police in Accrington said they supported the decision.