A PIONEERING scheme to prevent burglaries, vandalism and fly-tipping is to be extended to Runcorn town centre.

Council planners are to give the thumbs-up to the installation of alleygates on Byron Street and Picow Street.

The scheme has already proved a success in Widnes and has helped to cut crime.

Six-foot steel gates are placed at either ends of alleyways which have been plagued by thieves and yobs.

Keys to the gates are held by householders, the emergency services and council refuse workers.

A council spokesman said: 'Gating of alleyways has proved to be a very successful crime prevention measure in other areas, contributing to reducing burglaries, graffiti and vandalism.

'The gates can furthermore act as a deterrent to fly-tippers and limit dumping.

'The gates are not felt to be intrusive and, it is felt, can be justified as a crime prevention measure.'