A RECYCLING scheme with a difference is helping to protect householders in Hartlepool.

As the borough council continues its town centre housing demolition project, it is able to re-use the steel security gates that were used to close off rear alleys.

Around 200 properties - including a large number of old terraced houses – in Perth Street, Hurworth Street, Grainger Street, Gray Street, Turnbull Street and Raby Road have recently been knocked down as part of a major redevelopment scheme.

As a result, one set of gates has now been fitted to the back street behind Everett Street which has not previously benefited from protection, whilst the others have been put in storage to await further use.

Jon Wright, the council’s senior neighbourhood co-ordinator, said: “Alleygates have proved really effective in combating crime and anti-social behaviour in many areas of the town and when we were left with the gates from the demolition site it was agreed that they should be re-used in other areas requiring protection.”

Councillor Carl Richardson who represents the Victoria Ward which includes Everett Street, said: “I am really pleased that these gates are being re-used to benefit residents who have expressed concerns over security. Where these gates have been put up burglaries have fallen by between 60 per cent and 80 per cent.”