ALLEYWAYS that provide a haven for vandals and other criminals could be closed off in Swindon.

The council is considering whether to apply to the Government for a new high crime area status that would allow it to close the most notorious rights of way.

A resident from Upper Stratton who has been plagued by vandals has already identified one alley that she says fits the bill. And ward councillor Philip Steele (Lab, St Philips) says that he is willing to raise the issue with the council's transport commission.

Valerie Hearn, 68, from Derwent Drive, caught a gang of seven teenagers loitering near her house on her video camera before one hurled a can of paint at the house that smashed her double glazing, causing damage of around £1,000.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has been told to pay £141 compensation after the incident on March 14. He was also told to serve an 18-hour Attendance Centre Order.

Mrs Hearn said the troublemakers escaped down an alleyway that runs between Derwent Drive and Ermin Street.

She says it was built to serve homes in Derwent Drive but the path is now rarely needed.

She said: "The kids sit out there in the alleyway and sometimes get up to mischief.

"The ones who threw the can of paint at my house ran off down there.

"We had a meeting with our MP Michael Wills and one resident spoke about the path, but nothing seems to have happened since then.

"I would like the council to look at closing this alley at least."

In February, every local authority was urged to consider an application to target alleys that might be used by muggers, burglars, drug-dealers, car thieves and arsonists.

Swindon Council has not yet applied to the Government for the status, which makes it easier to close troublesome access routes.

So far 14 councils have applied.

In some areas such as Rotherham residents pressed their council leaders to use the opportunity to take the fight to local criminals.

However, the initiative is bitterly opposed by the Ramblers' Association. The association fears the loss of many ancient rights of way.

Coun Philip Steele said: "I was involved in getting the hedge cut down to three feet high at the request of residents and I think a case could be made out for closing the path because people do not use it for their homes any more.

"I am willing to raise the matter with the chairman of the transport commission and ask for a report on it, but we will have to take everyone's views into consideration."

Swindon Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said: "The council is in the process of taking further advice about how far these powers extend and what exactly they can be used for.

"We certainly have not ruled out applying for this status but we are keen to point out that there is no deadline so we may go ahead in the future."