A TOWN is slamming the door on crime - literally.

Twenty four gates with locks are being installed across a network of alleyways and back lanes running behind a grid pattern of terraced streets in central Middlesbrough.

Gates have already been erected behind Wylam Street and Meath Street in the town.

But now a £37,000 Home Office approved scheme will see gates across 12 alleys in the Portman Street area of the town.

The gates are part of an attempt to cut crime in areas where burglary rates are twice the national average.

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough Council, said the scheme demonstrated the council's hard-edged approach to reducing crime and disorder.

He said: "This is a team effort involving Cleveland Police and residents, and if together we can reduce crime and the fear it causes, then the quality of life for residents in these areas will be vastly improved.''

The politician claims the gates improve the feel-safe factor and greater willingness among residents to report crime. A spin off is cleaner alleyways.

Inspector Ian Swann, of Cleveland's community policing team said: "Alley gates have proved to be particularly effective as a crime deterrent in areas where they have been installed.

"We fully support any extension to the installation scheme and congratulate the council on their successful bid.