RESIDENTS terrorised by youths congregating near their homes are celebrating after receiving keys to an 'alleygating' scheme designed to lock out trouble.

Residents living in Wood Street, Brierfield, said their quality of life has improved 100 per cent since the scheme was introduced to their neighbourhood.

Pendle Borough Council funded the scheme to block off the back street which was previously being used by youngsters and drug pushers as a meeting point.

Residents living in the area have all received keys to the gates, which will be locked 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency services and the refuge collection service have also been given keys to the gates.

Local councillor Florence Tomlinson, who helped secure funding for the project said: "It has not been in place long, but we have already seen what affect it has had on the neighbourhood.

"Since the gates have been closed we haven't heard of one problem, which just goes to show that this kind of scheme really does work.

"Everybody living in Wood Street voted for the scheme, which is the first time that has ever happened, according to the council, which shows that people really had got to the end of their tether with the problems."

Ann Simpson, a 56-year-old Wood Street resident, who campaigned for the scheme to be introduced, said: "We are so pleased that our concerns have been listened to.

"We had to put up with all kinds of trouble. One day I found some drugs on the street near to where the children walk to gain access to the nearby primary school.

"This kind of thing was happening time and time again. Youths used the back street as a gathering point to drink and smash bottles -- it was good fun for them but a nightmare for us residents.

"We are so relieved to be able to live our lives without having to constantly worry about what was going to happen next. The gates have helped the residents feel a lot safer."

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "We have received reports of problems in that area previously. We are hopeful that this scheme will prevent any future problems for residents living in that area."