PUBLIC access to York's maze of snickets and back alleys could be cut substantially after councillors approved a radical plan to clamp down on crime.

Members of City of York Council's executive last night agreed to offer residents the opportunity to gate off alleys in parts of Bootham, The Groves and South Bank, which they believe have a direct link to high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour.

The initiative was originally discussed by the executive on July 29, but was "called in" by Labour councillors Vivienne Kind, David Merrett and Tracey Simpson-Laing, who expressed concerns regarding costs and maintenance.

Peter Evely, head of network management, told the council's strategic policy panel that each scheme would cost in the region of £10,000 to £15,000, with the bulk of that being spent on the complex legal process of extinguishing highway rights.

Before any gates can be put in, the council must obtain the government green-light, followed by approval from all residents, which will assume ownership of the land and will be able to access the alleys using a council issue key.

Closure of an alley would be requested by an area ward committee who would then be responsible for any maintenance costs.

Updated: 11:01 Friday, August 01, 2003