A NUMBER of alleyways in Stoke Heath could be closed or gated in a bid to reduce crime.

Stoke parish councilor George Verney, who is also chairman of Stoke Heath Neighbourhood Watch, claims around 70 per cent of problems in the area happened in or near alleyways running through the housing development.

He said the alleyways were used for anti-social behaviour, vandalism, graffiti and also by thieves who took advantage of them to carry off stolen goods undercover.

Cllr Verney told the Advertiser/Messenger: "I have collected evidence and the records show around 70 per cent of incidents happened in or near alleyways.

"If we can close off a number of key ones then we can stop them being used as a rat run from Rock Hill to Stoke Prior and force these people out into the open to be identified. Then they cannot use the alleyways and go undercover."

Cllr Verney said some of the problems had included graffiti, fences being vandalised or broken down, objects such as bricks being thrown at windows and thieving from gardens.

One man had been forced to replace his fence five times through vandalism and many residents who live near some alleyways were often woken in the early hours of the morning by yobs.

He said vandalism started about nine years ago and the Neighbourhood Watch was launched, which reduced crime by about 90 per cent.

Cllr Verney added: "We need to stop the vandalism and burglaries and force these people who are commiting them into the streets."

He added: "By closing certain alleyways or gating them we can do something about crime and vandalism in the area."

A meeting is being called between Neighbourhood Watch, the police and Bromsgrove District Council to discuss the issue.