COMMUNITIES plagued by antisocial behaviour across Oxfordshire could be effectively shut off to troublemakers and vandals by large gates.

Radical plans unveiled by the county council would see trouble 'hot-spots' across the county closed off by gating minor roads, alleyways and footpaths at certain times of the day - if it is thought doing so could lead to a reduction in crime.

Oxfordshire is set to become one of the first areas in the country to use powers contained in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

So called 'gating orders' would help the authorities steal a march on those planning illegal raves, joyriding, drug dealing or youths who congregate in packs.

But for an order to be enforced there must be clear evidence that premises adjoining the highway are affected by persistent crime and antisocial behaviour - and that opening the highway contributes to this.

It would not be sufficient to rely solely on the views of residents. Evidence of crime or antisocial behaviour would need to be presented through documented records, such as police incident reports.

County councillor David Robertson, county council cabinet member for transport, said: "These laws have been made available to us and we are duty bound to work with the police to make sure we use them whenever possible to combat crime.

"Surveys of public opinion in Oxfordshire and across the country show people want to see antisocial behaviour dealt with.

"This is an extra tool that can be used to bring that about.

"The law is clear about the circumstances in which these orders are possible.

"I look forward to seeing how these new laws work in practice."

The county council would consider requests to gate a road or alleyway against a check-list, including: Evidence of crime, antisocial behaviour and disturbances The likely effect the gating order would have on those living nearby Access rights of those living nearby Alternative routes.

One alleyway that could be one of the first to be gated is Bulwarks Lane, the thoroughfare linking New Road in Oxford to George Street.

Part of the lane features some of the original city walls, but it has become a magnet for serious crime and disorder.

Independent city councillor Paul Sargent has been leading calls to close the alleyway for several years.

He said: "We have had attempted rapes, major antisocial behaviour and graffiti vandalism down there - it's an issue I have been highlighting for a long time.

"This is all about a public safety issue, I am going to try and use this new legislation to get this lane closed off.

"It's long overdue."

There are limits to the powers.

Access for occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway cannot be restricted, nor can a gating order be made if it forms the only or main means of access to dwellings.