Prostitutes have been plying their trade in a row of private garages in Walsall – prompting furious residents to get them blocked off.

Fed-up homeowners in Highgate have been forced to get metal gates installed after the lock-ups were turned into a vice den.

Girls were spotted being driven onto the site in The Pines by their customers and condoms were found discarded in their front gardens.

People in neighbouring Emery Close were also blighted by the problems, which have hit over the last six months.

Walsall Council has now erected the gates in a bid to drive out the prostitutes and their clients, with a key going to each garage owner.

The area is situated close to the town’s long established red light district in Caldmore.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “Our house is right opposite the garages and I’m very happy to get the gates because people were using it for unsavoury activities.

“There were condoms and needles being found there. From my bedroom I could see cars, between five and 10 per evening, were going in there.” Signs demanding ‘No loitering’ have been installed and police have stepped up patrols.