Residents say plans to close off alleyways on their estate to deter criminals would leave them prisoners in their own homes.

More than 150 households could be affected by the proposals to improve the south Whitehawk area in Brighton.

The move would see a rabbit's warren of more than 20 inter-connecting paths and alleys sealed off.

Crime prevention officers believe this would stop easy access for criminals and, if it proved successful, would want to see it extended across the rest of Whitehawk.

Householders, while backing the scheme in principle, fear they could be cut off from shops, schools, neighbours and the emergency services.

Some say they would not be able to reach the road in which they live and park without lengthy detours through the estate.

Many believe the scheme is fundamentally unworkable because of the estate's out-dated design.

Pensioner Sidney Brooks, 71, of Ansty Close, said: "We would be prisoners in our own home if this went ahead."

Mr Brooks, a diabetic, and wife Doris, 67, face being boxed-in in four directions.

He said: "We're not against plans in principle but we can't have all our access closed."

Neighbour Nathan Burbery, 26, a father of four, said: "We wouldn't be part of Ansty Close any more.

"It would be a nightmare for parking and getting the kids to school."

Office worker Lynn Bennett, 47, who lives in nearby Manor Way, branded the plans "diabolical".

She said: "They are saying they want to make this a more community-orientated area but I will be cut off from friends.

"If there was an emergency, the fire brigade wouldn't be able to reach me or many of the other houses in this area."

More than 50 residents met last Wednesday to discuss the scheme, which has Government backing and funding.

John Mitchell, of East Brighton New Deal for Communities (NDC), which is spearheading the plans, promised their views would be taken into account.

He said: "We all want the same thing but the question is how we get there in a way everyone is comfortable with.

"As always, the devil is going to be in the detail in terms of doing things in a way which has the support of all those affected."

NDC workers will be visiting residents who attended the meeting in their homes before another consultation meeting next month.

The NDC is a Government-funded agency working in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council.

A final decision on alley closures would be made by the council's highways, housing and planning departments.