A NORTH-EAST council has been granted new powers to seek the closure of a number of crime plagued alleyways.

Redcar and Cleveland Council is among 11 councils across the country who provided sufficient evidence to the Government to close rights of way.

The aim is to shut off alleyways and ginnels which have become a breeding ground for crimes such as robbery, burglary,

arson and drug dealing.

A total of 15 local councils applied to the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for the so-called designation orders available under a bill passed by parliament.

Alun Michael, minister for rural affairs and local environmental quality, said Redcar and Cleveland's success was "good news" for people living in areas blighted by crime and vandalism.

He said: "The alleyways identified have given burglars easy access to the back of houses or provided an easy escape from police and in other places they have become sheltered havens for drug dealers or an easy target for vandals.

"The evidence we have viewed in the applications to us have demonstrated that resident and neighbourhood groups in Redcar and Cleveland feel very strongly that they have become a serious detriment to their communities."

Some groups fear that the powers may be misused by allowing councils to needlessly shut important rights of way.

As a safeguard councils must consult over any closures and take into account any objections received.

Redcar and Cleveland councillor Eric Empson, who has cabinet responsibility for strategic planning and development, said: "There is a detailed process which now begins which allows the public to object if they wish and also a great deal of investigative work to be done before any closure orders are announced."

Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, of Cleveland police, added: "Along with our partners our aim is to improve the quality of life for people in all areas and this is a positive step forward which will make life more difficult for criminals."

*Ginnels in Hamilton Grove, Teesville; Ash Grove, South Bank; Penryn Close, Skelton; and Buckfast Road, Skelton have been selected for closure.