A FIGHT to close a pathway which has become a haven for criminals is to go to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The lane was built to connect Ullswater Avenue with newly-built Railway View, off Neasham Road.

But within months of being opened, residents in Ullswater Avenue started complaining that anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and theft had increased in what used to be a quiet cul-de-sac.

Police were also concerned about the crime levels and a letter from the police even warned it could become a site where a child could be abducted.

Earlier this year, councillors voted in favour of conditions that could lead to the closure of the pathway.

However, the final decision has to be made by Office of the Deputy Prime Minister because it would mean closing a public right of way and there have been some objections to the proposal.

Police and the council are working on a report which will go to the Deputy Prime Minister for final approval. It is not known how long this may take.

Yesterday, a resident of Ullswater Avenue said life in the street had become almost unbearable. The resident, who did not want to be named for fear of retribution, said people living in Ullswater Avenue were regularly abused by youths, who swore at them.

The resident said people had also complained about people driving motorbikes through the pathway, smashing lights, and thefts from gardens.

The resident said: "They came here at 1am and started shouting at us to come out and fight them. They are running amok in groups of up to eight.

"The other night a boy who was about seven or eight years old started setting fire to the fences.

"At the moment there are two empty houses and another is on the market."

A council spokeswoman said: "Planning permission has been granted for a change of use of the land, but this does not mean it can automatically be closed.

"The only option we feel we can pursue is to present evidence to the Office Deputy of Prime Minister to get the authority to be able to close the pathway."