NI Housing Executive residents in Crumlin, Co Antrim, have welcomed the installation of new 'alley gates' in the area.

One resident said they have noticed the benefits already. According to Edel Carson, who lives on Orchard Grove: "With no-one else able to get into the alley, there has been no trouble, it is much quieter and people feel safer in their homes."

Controlled access to the area has now been provided under a local community safety project.

The gates are designed to counter anti-social behaviour incidents, which have caused considerable concern for residents in the past.

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The project was delivered by the Housing Executive, in conjunction with and partly funded by Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, through its Four Tier Security Scheme, which also includes Antrim PSNI Community Safety Unit and Victim Support.

Housing Executive District Manager Patsy Smyth said: "This is the first community safety project of this kind that we have undertaken in our North East area and is the result of detailed consultation with the local community.

"Agreement with all residents was vital to allow work to proceed and with that goes the responsibility for ensuring that the gates are kept locked, if the project is to be a success."

Councillor Brian Graham, Chairman of Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership said: "Alley gating has proven to be an effective crime prevention tool, receiving very positive responses from residents.

"The benefits of alley gating complement the strategic aims of the partnership, primarily tackling antisocial behaviour, reducing violent crime and reducing fear of crime thus creating an improved quality of life for local residents."

(PR/BMcc)