HOUSING bosses are considering sealing off a Fareham alleyway after it became a haven for vandals and other antisocial behaviour.

Residents who live next to the well-used cut through from Privett Road to Valentine Close have been dogged by noise, litter, fire-lighting and graffiti for years and say they are fed up with the nuisance.

Rosemary Law said: "I would certainly welcome any move to sort out the problem with the alleyway. Constantly children walk across the front of my lawn, the graffiti is appalling and the littler is a real problem."

Her neighbour, mother-of-two Christina Challoner said: "I certainly notice the noise and problems that seem to centre on the alleyway and would definitely like to see it shut off."

The scale of the problem is so bad that the council-owned flat that overlooks the alleyway has not been let for three years because of the state of the alleyway, according to ward councillor Peter Davies.

He said: "I am sure nobody wants to live there simply because of the state of that alleyway.

"It serves no purpose other than being a congregation point for youngsters and I am afraid the antisocial behaviour is becoming a real problem for neighbours.

"It has literally been a nightmare for them and all of them would like to see it blocked off."

According to council figures that flat has not been permanently rented out for three years, meaning the council has lost out on £2,290 of rent.

Executive member for housing Councillor Ernest Crouch said that he was well aware of the problem.

He added: "I know that the state of that alleyway is very bad and the housing officers are considering options for the future use of the site.

"One of those is sealing off the alleyway, as it serves little purpose, and possibly blocking it off by building another flat in the space."