THE first gate in North Yorkshire's largest alleygating scheme has been put in place.

Gateposts for more than 50 crime-busting gates in Clifton's "ring of steel" are now being fitted across the ward and offenders in York are helping to install the gates as part of their punishment.

Labour councillor Ken King visited site of the first gate in the new scheme.

He said: "We are pleased the largest alleygating scheme in North Yorkshire has been started in the Clifton ward."

Coun David Scott said the scheme had been introduced at the request of members of the public.

He said: "The scheme has only been possible because we consulted with residents before starting the project and they told us this is what they wanted.

"We then worked in partnership with the police to secure funding for the gates and to ensure the scheme was progressed as quickly as possible."

Helen Douglas, a Clifton resident and Labour Party candidate, said the area was the first place in York to have alleygating.

She said: "As a local resident, I am pleased to see the excellent crime prevention initiative is actually taking place."

The Press told last month how offenders could be made to help City of York Council's commercial services department to fit the gates as part of North Yorkshire Probation Service's community payback scheme, which gives local residents the chance to decide how offenders will serve their "unpaid work" sentences - previously known as community service.

Gateposts have already been put in place at the back of Cleveland Street, Neville Street and Stanley Street, Grosvenor Terrace, Gray Street, Charlton Street, Bishopthorpe Road Vine Street, Vyner Street, Park Grove, Portland Street and Avenue Terrace.

The council's street environment team carried out repairs and maintenance work on the alleyways, as well as cleaning out gullies and removing graffiti, ahead of the gates being fitted.

The Press told last year how Clifton was to get the gates to help combat crime, after it was revealed people living in about 800 homes and 50 streets in the Clifton area were three times more likely to be the victims of car crime or burglary than anyone else in York.