FAMILIES have sent a petition to their local council to ask if an alleyway beside their houses can be blocked up at night.

More than 70 Hartlepool residents have asked for the alleyway, between Easington Road and Hawthorn Walk, to be closed because they believe it provides an easy access for burglaries and is often mis-used for anti-social behaviour.

A report to Hartlepool Borough Council's regeneration board, which meets tomorrow, states: "It is not possible under current highway legislation to impose an order to restrict access to an adopted highway for set periods of time."

The report also says a programme of works is due to begin to improve the boundaries of the properties in the area around the alleyway, and a neighbourhood warden will also be employed in a bid to solve or alleviate the current problems.