Several new alley gates have been installed at Orchard Grove to help prevent youths from gathering in the area.

This community safety project is designed to counter anti social behaviour incidents in this vicinity that have caused considerable concern for residents in the past and will also give peace of mind for them in their homes.

The project has been delivered by the Housing Executive, in conjunction with and partly funded by Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, through its 4 Tier Security Scheme, which also includes Antrim PSNI Community Safety Unit and Victim Support.

Local resident Mrs Edel Carson has already noticed an improvement to the area, after gates were installed on pathway behind homes at Orchard Grove, providing controlled access to the area.

"It is great to have the gates installed. The residents are seeing the benefits already. With no one else able to get into the alley, there has been no trouble, it is much quieter and people feel safer in their homes," Mrs Carson said.

Speaking at the launch at Orchard Grove, Housing Executive District Manager, Patsy Smyth, said: "I know that residents are delighted to see the gates in place. This is the first community safety project of this kind that we have undertaken in our North East area and is the result of detailed consultation with the local community.

"Agreement with all residents was vital to allow work to proceed and with that goes the responsibility for ensuring that the gates are kept locked, if the project is to be a success.

"Once again in Antrim we see the end product of the good working relationships that exist amongst the public and community sectors, in this instance helping create a safer, more secure environment for these Orchard Grove residents."

Councillor Brian Graham, Chairman of Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, added: "Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership is delighted to support the Alleygating project which has been implemented adjacent to Orchard Grove, Crumlin. Alleygating has proven to be an effective crime prevention tool, receiving very positive responses from residents.

"The benefits of alleygating complement the strategic aims of the Partnership, primarily tackling antisocial behaviour, reducing violent crime and reducing fear of crime thus creating an improved quality of life for local residents."