TALKS began this week over how to stop drunks vandalising cars in Middle Walk.

Police met representatives from Macclesfield Borough Council and Cheshire County Council yesterday to discuss ideas.

But it could take them weeks to make a decision.

"There is unlikely to be a hard and fast decision made this week because there are so many different scenarios to consider," said police representative Pat Breen.

"Everyone has to agree and there may be a few ambiguities to clear up."

Over the past few years vandals have caused more than £10,000 worth of damage to cars in Middle Walk, which is used as a short-cut by drunks on their way home from Knutsford town centre.

Wing mirrors have been ripped off, car doors scratched and aerials snapped.

Neighbours told the Knutsford Guardian that they dreaded waking up on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Effective

But police and Knutsford's two ruling authorities want to end the nightmare.

Their options include stopping people walking under the railway from The Moor into Middle Walk at night.

Statistics show that when similar alleys have been closed it reduces anti-social behaviour by 80%.

However, a recent survey of Middle Walk residents suggested that 42% of those who supported a gate did not think it would be effective.

"It could be closed every evening or it could just be the evenings when they the vandals go out for their entertainment," said Mr Breen.

Recently Knutsford police again increased patrols in Middle Walk and regularly monitor the road after the pubs close.

However, yesterday's talks were aimed at finding a permanent solution to the problems to free up officers' time.

That might mean improved security lighting or CCTV.

"We have to find something that is effective including what is most cost-effective," said Mr Breen.

The way forward: Page 11