ALLEYGATES have been installed at an anti-social behaviour hotspot in Birkenhead town centre following a campaign by business leaders.

They were introduced to control access to an entry off Vincent Street, between Borough Road and Grange Road, which is used daily by hundreds of shoppers.

The need for the gates was identified after business group Birkenhead First spoke to shop owners who complained of anti-social behaviour.

Traders said this was giving visitors a "negative impression" of the area and could put them off coming in future.

Birkenhead First funded the purchase of alleygates and worked with the council to install them.

Councillor George Davies, council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “This is an excellent example of people with a stake in the success and safety of their local environment coming together and solving a specific problem."

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “I am delighted to see the positive outcome that we have delivered in making a busy town centre thoroughfare a pleasant place for shoppers once more.”