VANDALS, yobs and drug addicts look set to be shut out of a crime-ridden Oxford alley when Oxfordshire County Council makes its first gating order.

People in Windale Avenue and Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, have been waiting since 2000 for a 55-metre alley linking the two roads to be sealed off following arson attacks, graffiti and drug dealing.

If County Hall approves the gating order in the new year, it will be the first time it has used powers under the 1980 Highways Act that allow it to restrict public access to any public highway by shutting it.

Under the legislation, local authorities can make gating orders on the grounds of anti-social behaviour and crime.

Last night, residents cautiously welcomed the news, but said they would not be celebrating until the gates were installed and locked.

Sandra Witts, of Windale Avenue, Blackbird Leys, said: “It has been nine years since this started, it’s ridiculous, but this is the furthest we have got so hopefully it will become absolute.

“We have had lots of things stolen from our garden, our fence broken and human excrement in the alleyway. Broken bottles, drug taking – the list is endless.

“When it’s done you will be able to hear me shouting from the rooftops.”

Another 70-year-old neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I won’t be celebrating until I have got the gate key in my hand. I’m a cynic, and I’ve got good reason to be, they have always found some legal excuse to delay it. We’ve gone out and bought the champagne before, but I’m more hopeful this time it will happen.”

County councillor Richard Stevens said: “Local residents have been campaigning on this issue for some years now and when I was elected in June I promised to try to get something done.”

Ian Hudspeth, the county council’s cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, said another gating order was also being considered under the legislation at Bulwark’s Lane in west Oxford, but it was on hold.

If the Blackbird Leys order were approved, he said it would be the first one in the county to go ahead.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said consultation was under way and objections must be received before December 4.

He said: “Graffiti, thefts, drinking of alcohol and drug use and urinating and defecating on the footpath have all been observed.

“Loud, noisy behaviour including shouting, swearing, use of offensive language and littering of the footpath with smashed spirit bottles, cans, good cartons, plastic bags and condoms has also been noted.”