The sale of seized items has funded the installation of gates at a “nightmare” alleyway where residents witnessed sex acts and suspected drug taking outside their front doors.

Pool Passage in central Brighton has had a lockable gate installed and is now the subject of a public spaces protection order, aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour.

Police have investigated many reports from Pool Passage residents relating to criminal behaviour over the last few years.

Patrols have been increased in the area, say police.

Chief Inspector Andy Saville met residents to present a cheque towards their purchase of the gate. The cash came from the sale of items seized by the police.

He said: “Residents of Pool Passage have been subjected to a number of incidents over an extended period of time and we recognise the impact they have not only on their lives, but on the wider community.

“We have been in regular contact with the residents and have been working with our community partners to find the most appropriate solutions.

“This joint funding of a gate to protect the residents is a perfect example of the partnership problem solving approach that is vital when addressing community issues in our city.

“I would like to commend our two ward PCSOs for this area – PCSO Monty Biswas and PCSO Caroline Batchelor – who have worked so hard with the residents and our partners to find a solution to these issues.

“I would also like to thank the residents of Pool Passage, who took the time to report their concerns which in turn allowed us to identify there was a problem and put the right measures in place."

Hughie and Chris O’Neill, who live in Pool Passage, campaigned with The Argus to get the gate installed.

Hughie said: “Ever since we have had the problem over the last three years, the people that have consistently helped us are the police. If it wasn’t for the police, we wouldn’t have been able to do this.

“We used to have four to five events a day, but since the gate came in we haven’t had any.

“Along with the extra patrols, the police have been brilliant.”

Councillor Steph Powell, who co-chairs Brighton and Hove City Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “I’m happy we’ve been able to work with residents and our partners at Sussex Police to bring in new measures to tackle the antisocial behaviour impacting the community over recent years.”

This donation was made from the force's police property act fund (PPAF).

The PPAF is funded through the Sussex Police's auctions eBay account, which sells lost and seized items, as well as police items that are no longer required, such as IT equipment and office furniture.

Ward councillors Tom Druitt and Alex Phillips also contributed £750 each from their ward budget.