GREEN party candidates in York are proposing a "tourist tax" levied on visitors to help pay for a river patrol and extra street cleaning in the city.

The idea is part of the party's local manifesto, launched on Sunday.

The 24 page document says the party candidates for the City of York Council election in May want to "investigate and consult" on a small 'tourist tax' which would make sure visitors including hen and stag parties contribute to the extra maintenance and cleaning costs, and initiatives like Street Angels and a river safety patrol.

The party wants to create a "resilient low carbon local economy" rather than one that is too heavily focused on growth, and has pledged to support the planned Congestion Commission.

Other proposals include a "local currency" scheme, and family friendly activities to bring residents as well as tourists into the city centre, and opposing any out of town retail development.

The Green group leader on the council, Andy D’Agorne, said: "I’m proud of this manifesto. It sets out our full range of policies for the common good, from education and housing to planning and the local economy; from local democracy and financial management to social services and crime, anti-social behaviour and local communities."

It was launched outside the Castlegate youth centre which appears in the document with a commitment to find a new home for its the services, and a pledge to look for a city centre premises for a youth cafe.

The party wants to restore at least some of the money cut from both children's and youth services, bring in more ways for the public to get involved in council working and question decision makers.

Other pledges include keeping Yearsley Pool open, investing in more council houses but keeping the Local Plan to fewer than 800 new homes a year, opposing all fracking, and keeping all the city's libraries open.

The party's York chairman and Guildhall candidate, Denise Craghill, said: "As well as being hard working and accessible ward representatives, more Green party councillors will help to bring a new and positive politics to York."