A NEW security scheme, dubbed "alleygating" because residential streets are fenced off under lock and key, looks set to be expanded in Burnley.

The programme, funded by the Community Against Drugs scheme and the Homes Zones Project, is run by Burnley Council.

The first of the alleygating schemes was piloted in Burnley Wood and South Burnley when two gates are put at either end of a back street with all residents living in the street given keys to gain access.

The idea is to help cut crime in deprived areas or streets with high crime figures.

Athol Street South residents are now applying for funding from the Urban II programme to get their street alleygated.

Accrington Road councillor Liz Monk said: "The residents have experienced problems with fires being started on the allotments behind their homes and also burglaries.

"They found out from the newspaper that Urban II funding can be used to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety issues.

"They got together and have signed a petition requesting the borough council to consider alleygating their back street.

"Alleygating back streets helps to make neighbourhoods safer places in which to live."

"The meeting with residents was very positive and Tom Mann, chief of the Community Wardens, has volunteered his team to organise local children to help with tidying up the allotments.

"The residents are meeting again in three weeks time to monitor progress and they will also be looking at formally constituting themselves as a community group."

Anne Mullin, Community Safety Development Officer, said: "We know that people out there want alleygating in their areas but want to make sure it is done properly.

"Alleygating a back street is a long and involved process.

" We have to get the permission of all the residents living in the street or the landlord in some circumstances.

"We then have to approach all the utilities and refuge collections to make sure they have no objections to the scheme and then provide keys where need be.

"We are monitoring the pilot scheme and if it works out will be looking to the Urban II fund so we can spread the scheme into other areas of the borough."