PRIORITY areas for the installation of alley gates as part of a £450,000 scheme could be confirmed by councillors next week.

Middlesbrough Borough Council's cabinet, which meets on Tuesday, will be told that areas around West Lane, Gresham, Southfield, Westbourne and North Ormesby have been identified as most suitable for security gates.

If councillors agree, they will be introduced during the next 18 months.

The proposals follow the introduction of alley gates in several other areas since 1999.

They have been warmly welcomed by people living in those areas, who have reported significant falls in crime and anti-social behaviour in the back streets behind terraces, where they are placed.

A report to the cabinet states: "As alley gates have been installed, public demand has increased, and it is therefore proposed that a further £450,000 capital allocation is used over this year and next, in order to develop the programme further."

Most of the money for the scheme will come from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The report says it is necessary to implement it in stages.

It says: "On February 6, the cabinet considered the options with regard to an investment of £50,000, matched by investment within the NDC programme.

"It was felt that the creation and subsequent expansion of 'zones' of gating would represent the most effective way forward."

In deciding on the priority areas, council officers also considered burglary rates, histories of litter and nuisance, residents' views and costs.