RESIDENTS are proposing to dip into their own pockets in an effort to protect their streets after a number of arson incidents.

Homeowners in Coniscliffe Road and Langholm Crescent, Darlington, have come up with an initiative to make the dark alley which runs between their streets safer.

Resident Kath Webber said a member of her family recently heard an explosion in the alley in the middle of the night and ran outside to find a garage door had been set on fire. The following week they found a car was alight.

Other less serious incidents had also occurred over the last 18 months.

A meeting to discuss nuisance in the alley was called and people from 25 of the 35 homes on the lane attended.

They launched an "alleygator scheme", whereby locked gates are fitted at either end of the path to stop intruders. Under similar schemes, residents are provided with keys, to which the emergency services also have access.

Despite a possible £3,000 price tag - which would have to be met by the homeowners - the proposal is being seen as an effective way of combating crime.

Resident Jane Toffolo said: "We have had a problem down the back lane, some bins set on fire and one man had his skip set alight, so I organised a residents' meeting.

"Out of 35 houses, 25 were represented, so it shows we were a little concerned. It was here the alleygator scheme was suggested.

"It's a pro-active move to make the land more secure.

"At night it is very dark. The majority of residents would feel more safe if they knew it was only residents walking down the alley at night.

"We're not in a high crime area, which means we probably won't get funding for it, but the residents could chip in."

But, before the scheme gets off the ground, the residents have to negotiate several hurdles.

Mrs Toffolo said: "To put gates on a public right of way you need to get approval from the courts.

"You also need to get a unanimous agreement from everyone who lives off the alley, so it's nothing concrete yet."

Det Sgt Alec Francis, from Darlington Police, said last night: "It's an exercise in crime prevention.

"We would support any initiative as long as there's consultation with the police and Neighbourhood Watch.