Cradley councillors have been left fuming after plans to block a dangerous alley were scrapped.

Councillors Gaye Partridge (pictured) and Richard Body say they cannot understand why an application for a temporary gating order to close the passage between High Town and Ladysmith Road has been refused.

They claim the 30-yard stretch has been a factor in more than 150 incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in the last two years, as it gives an easy escape route to criminals.

Cllr Body said: "How many crimes will we have to have before any action is taken?

"I have tried to get the alley closed for 18 months. A petition was handed in.

"The residents were right behind it and the police were right behind it."

Cllr Body has accused council officers of disregarding previous efforts to solve the problem.

He also claims the decision has not taken into account the views of residents, and was based mainly on information from a police officer who has only just started patrolling the area.

He said: "Why are they taking the view of a new officer, when the residents who have lived there for years want it closed?

"They have gone on one person's opinion alone which is wrong."

Cllr Gaye Partridge said the council is failing to use the law to help out the public.

She said: "When I found out this was not going to happen I was absolutely furious.

"We were told not so long ago there was more than enough evidence to get the gate put in. What has changed?"

A spokesman for Dudley Council confirmed they had liaised with the police and considered incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour before reaching a decision.

They said: "Unfortunately, from the advice obtained, there is insufficient persistent anti-social behaviour reported to meet the necessary grounds of an order to close the path."