SAFETY campaigners have cleaned up their neighbourhood - by closing a network of crime-ridden alleys in York.

Cities around Britain are set to seize on new powers to close passages used by burglars, drug dealers, vandals and louts - but residents in Foxwood are ahead of the game.

They have used existing legislation to close 11 paths in an initiative that has attracted attention around York and nationwide.

More than 300 homes will be made safer in streets including Foxwood Lane, Bellhouse Way and Doherty Walk.

Consultations have been completed, and council officers are confident an access objection from a utility company will soon be overcome, allowing the alleys to be gated-off after a 28-day notice period.

The Foxwood campaigners will use the Countryside Act to remove highway rights, whereas protesters in other cities will be able to appeal for "high crime area" designation, a new part of the 2000 Act introduced to allow the alleys to be gated more quickly.

Bill Woolley, assistant director of city development and transport, said: "We have been supporting the campaigners for many months now, and expect the gates to go up over the summer.

"There are several other areas of the city which want the changes under the new legislation, which should make the whole process much simpler, and we will support these crime blocking bids."

Members of Foxwood Residents' Association began the campaign five years ago.

Association chairman James Gumley said: "There are about 80 alleyways running through this estate, one every three or four houses. It is literally a rabbit warren.

"People can get in one of the alleys, and go through the whole estate, making it ideal for burglars and vandals.

"There is also a lot of noise and disturbance, which is intimidating to female residents."

The 11 paths will be fitted with large locked gates costing £1,000 per alley, funded from various community grants.

Mr Gumley said: "There are many people watching us now, these projects are springing up all over the country. We have had visits from people in Liverpool and Manchester to see how we are going ahead."

Safer York Partnership director Jane Mowat said: "This will have a high impact on problems such as drug use, which is one of the main problems of the alleyways and, from a prevention of crime angle, it is sure to be a positive move."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "I am sure this will have a huge impact on crime."

Updated: 10:40 Saturday, May 17, 2003