NEWTON may not be included in a crime-cutting scheme being extended across St Helens.

Fitting gates to the entrances of alleyways at the rear of people's homes reduces burglaries, fly-tipping, graffiti, fires and youth disorder, says the council.

Statistics show three out of every four burglaries to properties with alleyways are from the rear or side of the properties. The scheme has already proved a success in the George Street area of the town.

Areas to be alley-gated, subject to consultation, are Newton, West Park, Haydock, Thatto Heath, Sutton, Moss Bank, Windle, Town Centre and the Toll Bar area.

But a council spokesman said including Newton in the scheme was not definite and there were no details about which roads would be gated or when gating work would take place.