Communities plagued by antisocial behaviour across Oxfordshire could be "shut off" to yobs and vandals by large gates.

Radical plans unveiled by the county council yesterday would see trouble hotspots closed off by gating minor roads, alleyways and footpaths at certain times of the day.

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

But for so-called gating orders to be enforced there must be clear evidence that premises next to the highway are affected by persistent crime and antisocial behaviour - and that opening the highway contributes to this.

Evidence would have to consist of documented records, such as police incident reports.

County councillor David Robertson, 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. The law is clear about the circumstances in which these orders are possible."

The council would consider requests to gate a road or alleyway using a checklist, 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.

Brian Lester, chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: "In places, this action is long overdue but we understood it was going to happen. Those who do stick to the right side of the law are penalised by those who are antisocial and it's terribly inconvenient, but in some cases closing alleyways is the only answer."

Limitations to the powers include access for occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway not being restricted, nor can a gating order be made if it forms the only or principal means of access to dwellings.

Oxford City Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "Partnership working has been effective in combating antisocial activity in the city, so we welcome the county council's willingness to work with the city council and police to make Oxford's streets safer."

Oxford police spokesman Victoria Bartlett added: "These powers will not be implemented without thorough investigation into where they would be effective.

"A balance must be addressed between levels of crime and how much it is used by the community.

"The police will work with the council and decisions will not be taken without prior public consultation and publicity."