Alleyway which could be used to commit crime

Seven feet high steel gates will shut off 20 entrances to passages running along the back of houses in so-called "hot spot" areas.

Residents living in Wantage Road are the first to benefit from the Oxford Road Alleyway Project, which is funded by the Safer Reading Campaign.

Over the past 12 months, most of the families living there have had their homes burgled and have had to put up with the alleyway being regularly used by prostitutes and drug-dealers.

Families' fears

Councillor Tony Jones, of Battle Ward, who is chairman of the Oxford Road Safer Community Forum, said: "These gates provide a very physical barrier stopping people from going in and will reassure the residents.

"We have families with young children who would not allow their children into the alleyway because of the discarded used needles."

Wantage Road residents were officially handed their personal keys to the new gates on Monday.

Inspector Dave Griffiths, of Thames Valley Police, said: "The alleyways are quite dark and secluded at night and can be used by opportunist burglars or thieves to gain access to property.

"Because they are at the rear of houses and in a relatively secluded area, they can also be used by prostitutes and drug dealers who need to stay out of the view of police officers, street wardens and residents."