The first phase of a project called "Alleygating", which stops alleyways being used as escape routes for criminals, is running in a Sussex city. A network of 41 pedestrian alleys in the Whitehawk area of Brighton has been closed down because they are becoming "havens for anti-social behaviour".
It is the work of the East Brighton New Deal for Communities programme (eb4u).
The initiative is being launched on Friday with a tour by Brighton and Kemptown MP Des Turner.
Police and eb4u worked with Whitehawk residents to identify ways to reduce crime and make them feel safer.
Garden extensions
The layout of alleyways on the estate was said to be directly linked to crime rates and security fears.
Alleygating sees the pathways either being gated, with only residents given keys, or removed completely and becoming an extension of residents' gardens.
The changes have been possible under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2003, which gives local authorities the option of gating alleyways in order to cut crime or reduce anti-social behaviour.
John Mitchell, from eb4u, said: "I am confident there will be a lasting legacy that makes residents feel safer in their homes."
Ch Insp Kerry Cox, from Brighton police, added: "We are very supportive of the alleygating project as it reduces the opportunity for crime and makes it harder for criminals to evade capture."
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