A HOUSING estate in Prestwich could be chosen for a pilot scheme to lock up alleyways at night in a bid to crackdown on yobs.

The Polefield area has been put forward as an estate that would benefit from the scheme, but suggestions for any other area in Prestwich are invited.

The idea to install lock-up gates to alleyways and ginnels has derived from a working group for the Prestwich Community Plan 2005 to 2008 where people have expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour.

In addition, Groundwork Bury has been working with Bury Council's housing department and an opportunity has arisen to apply for funding for such a scheme.

A similar scheme is already in the process of being set up in the Hastings Road area of Prestwich, by the tenants and residents association, but involves solely private housing.

Also, Victoria estate in Whitefield, which is run by the local authority, features some gates on the ginnels.

Carran O'Grady, Prestwich area co-ordinator, said: "This scheme for Polefield is different because it involves both private and local authority housing. Burys housing department can apply for some funding via Groundwork so long as the area fits certain criteria.

"Polefield fits that criteria and the potential is there for it to apply for a scheme but it is a very long and complicated process as it depends on who owns the land, and whether it is a footpath or public right of way."

Coun Wilf Davison said he had seen a scheme elsewhere which involved alley-gating and added: "It was very successful and brought down burglary by 100 per cent. However, there are many issues to consider and we would have to be extremely careful."

Coun Gill Campbell added that installing lock-up gates to places where people hung around at night was not the only solution to anti-social behaviour.

She said: "It should not be done in isolation, as it wont get to the root of the problem."

At this early stage, the area board needs to measure the level of interest in such a scheme and determine whether there is a problem with anti-social behaviour and alleys.

If anyone knows of any hotspots, they can contact Carran OGrady on 0161 253 7245 .