Anti-social behaviour by louts in the early hours have forced the closure of St Mary's Churchyard gates in the heart of Hitchin.

Following some incidents of anti-social behaviour which have taken place in the Churchyard during the night hours on previous weekends, the church has been asked by authorities to close the Churchyard gates after dark.

St Mary's said: "Following the request from local police to assist them in discouraging antisocial behaviour in the area we will proceed with the plan to close gates into the Church graveyard on Friday and Saturday nights for the near future. 

"We plan to close a further three gates on Friday and Saturday evenings, opening them again on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

"These three are the ones by: The war memorial; Simmons Bakery; Portmill car park.

"We will continue to leave the gates by Warner's almshouse and the Hearing centre & HRH Holmes closed every day for the time being.

"Please use alternative routes and do not rely on shortcuts through the Riverside or inside the hedges on those evenings.

"Thanks in advance for your co operation."

The gates behind the church tower and facing the market next to the Riverside are to remain locked.

LIKE/FOLLOW HITCHIN NUB NEWS ON FACEBOOK