A DIDCOT alleyway will be gated off if incidents of vandalism continue, police and council officers have warned.

Police said closing the alley between Freeman Road and Mendip Heights would cut incidents of antisocial behaviour, which have including damage to walls and cars.

Thames Valley Police and South Oxfordshire District Council have discussed applying for a “gating order” from Oxfordshire County Council, which would see the alley closed at certain times. A police spokesman said: “Throughout the course of the year we have had a spate of criminal damages to walls and cars parked along the road reported to us.”

She said: “A gating order would be applied for as a last resort as it would cause a lot of people inconvenience, so I am hoping this mindless vandalism will stop so that this is not necessary.

“I would like to ask all the residents to be extra vigilant and report any crimes to us. If you have any information on the damage that has been committed please contact me.”

Didcot Mayor John Flood, whose All Saints ward includes the alley, said: “If the police and council feel strongly enough about this then I would support them. This area has always been a hotspot for vandalism because the alleyway is used as a short cut after the pubs close.

Incidents can be reported to the police on 08458 505505.