Alleyway security increased to tackle 'high crime'

The Home Office gave Cleveland's police and crime commissioner almost £1m in funding last year

Alleyway gates will have extra security measures added in an area blighted by crime and drugs.

Hartlepool Council is planning to install spiked anti-climbing bars on top of gates in the Victoria ward of the town.

According to a planning application submitted by council officers, the area experiences some of the highest levels of crime and disorder in Hartlepool and has "particularly high levels of residential burglary driven by drugs misuse".

A decision on the proposals is expected next month.

Last year, 36 gates in the same ward had anti-climbing attachments installed.

Proposals suggest a second round of work will see more spiked roll bars added to gates in Tankerville Street, Morton Street, Dent Street and to the rear of Murray Street and Sheriff Street.

Maintenance work will also be carried out across the area as some gate locks and panels have been vandalised.

Up to £333,333 has been earmarked for the Victoria Ward to help combat crime in the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.