PLANS to make East Lancashire's back alleys no-go zones for criminals have been delayed amid legal and health and safety problems.

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe today confirmed that its "alleygate" scheme had been postponed until the situation could be clarified.

And Coun Tony Lambert, of Burnley Council's ruling Labour group, said the council had installed one gate as part of a similar scheme but there could be a delay to erect the other 26 because of the problems.

The government has told local councils that experimental Traffic Regulation Orders can no longer be used to restrict access to back alleys and they have to use a Stopping Up Order, which means the area is no longer part of the highway.

Alleygating for Safer Neighbourhoods was allocated £75,000 from the government's Social Regeneration Budget for 38 gates in West Accrington.

It also attracted £99,755 from the National Opportunities Fund 'Fair Share' in March to instal 50 alleygates in areas outside of Accrington.

The scheme was being implemented by Hyndburn Partnership, a body set up between the council and the police to look at issues of community safety.

It was hoped the gates would reduce burglary and create a private, cleaner area.

Nigel Rix, director of Hyndburn First, the council's development body, said alleygating, placing locked metal gates at either ends of a rear alley, had been extremely effective in reducing burglary. Domestic burglaries in Liverpool fell by more than 55 per cent in areas where alleygates had been installed, he said.

More than 97 per cent of West Accrington residents who responded to a phase one door-to-door survey by the neighbourhood wardens and police had welcomed the scheme.

Coun Britcliffe said: "There seems to be problems from a health and safety point of view such as access to back alleys for the fire service. There are problems and they are currently being looked at."

Burnley Coun Lambert said: "We already have one gate in Apple Street South in my Trinity ward. The money is in position but we are waiting to discuss matters with the county council."

Inspector Phil Cottam, of Accrington police said: "Subject to residents being in favour of it, we would put forward the positive side to alleygating. There are a number of safeguards with emergency services being brought on board and there are questions of access."

Lancashire County Council is looking at ways to "streamline" the stopping up process.