NINE out of 10 Blackpool residents feel much safer in their homes since the launch of an alley-gating scheme.

Three streets have been included in the first phase of Blackpool Community Safety Partnership's Gating Project initiative.

Newly-installed gates in Westmorland Avenue, Milbourne Street and Thames Road prevent the back alleys being used as rat runs for criminals intent on burgling, robbing passers-by or committing other offences.

Residents of the 105 households which back on to the alley behind Westmorland Avenue were surveyed last August prior to the installation of five alley gates.

One respondent said he was afraid to use his garage when groups of youths were hanging about. A total of 66 per cent of residents said they felt unsafe or very unsafe.

Follow-up questionnaires revealed that three months later when the gates were in place, a huge 96 per cent of respondents said later when the gates were in place, they felt safer.

Problems like dog-fouling, tipping and youth nuisance had reduced significantly and the community spirit had improved.

The campaign to install alley gates is spearheaded by the multi-agency Blackpool Community Safety Partnership, which includes Blackpool Borough Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and other agencies.

Councillor Allan Matthews, vice chairman of the Blackpool Community Safety Partnership, said: "We are delighted with the feedback as it clearly shows that the gates are having the desired effect.

"Not only are they cutting down on crime and nuisance, but they are allowing people to feel safe in their homes - something we are all entitled to."

PC Andy Smith who is seconded to the town hall-based Blackpool Community Safety Team and co-ordinating the Blackpool Gating Project, said: "I hope the very positive feedback will encourage other streets to get involved with the gating scheme.

"We are currently erecting gates in Claremont in the area of Fairfield Road and in Grange Park around Overdale Grove.