'Anti-social alley' closed following spate of burglaries and arson attacks

The alleyway off Albert Road in Hasbury has been blamed for a spate of burglaries, thefts and arson attacks.

After residents' calls for closure were initially turned down by Dudley Council, they have finally won their bid for the alley to be gated off.

The move was supported by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris, as well as police.

It also came after a consultation was held by the council on the closure, and not a single objection was received.

Residents with homes backing on to the alleyway say they have already noticed a big difference in antisocial behaviour.

They have also offered to purchase the vacant land from the council and take on responsibility for maintaining and securing it.

Mr Morris said: "This alleyway had become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour, making local people's lives a nightmare.

"After residents came to one of my advice surgeries, I agreed to support their campaign for a gating order.

"I am thrilled that together, we have succeeded in getting Dudley Council to take this necessary step."

Justin Hill, of Albert Road, said: "After two years of trying without success to get the council to take action, we are really grateful to James for getting the problem sorted.

"The difference this order has made for people in our road is incredible. Our lives are now much more peaceful and our homes are more secure."

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for transportation, said: "We have been working with police and local residents in Albert Road following concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour along the footpath near people's homes.

"We're pleased to have been able to help people resolve an issue which has been causing residents some concern in this area for a while now.

"We are committed to making Dudley a safer community for everyone with initiatives like this.

"We will take a tough line on anti social behaviour and listen to the concerns of local people and act quickly to resolve them."

The idea for the gated closure was formally put forward by traffic officers at an area forum meeting last December.

The gating does not restrict the entrance to the driveway of Halas House, which is a special needs day care centre.