SECURITY measures have been stepped up at a town allotment following thefts from the site.

Ferryhill Town Council has installed security gates at the Storehouse allotments to help to try to prevent unwanted visitors to the site.

It is the latest move by the council, working in partnership with police, to try and reduce an increase in crimes reported at allotments in the town.

Ferryhill deputy mayor, Councillor Ron Greenwell, said: "The new gates will hopefully make it that bit more difficult for the criminals who are currently targeting our allotments.

"We, the town council, are looking at other initiatives with the police to reduce thefts from our allotments and to catch the culprits.

"We have more schemes planned for the near future, however all allotment holders can help by being vigilant themselves by looking out for any suspicious activities on the allotments and reporting them to the police."

The town council is also working with gardeners at Paxton Street and East End allotments to improve security and facilities on their sites.