NEW security measures for a York housing estate are being called for by local councillors.

Councillors for the Acomb ward say bikes are being stolen and fires started at Sovereign Park because of the lack of doors on bin and bike storage facilities.

David Horton and Tracey Simpson-Laing have called on the development companies, Barratt and Persimmon, to take action over "inadequate" security measures on the development.

Bosses at Barratt said they were willing to meet councillors and discuss their concerns - and said the security of their customers was a key priority.

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "Ever since the first property was occupied councillor Horton and myself have been making visits to Sovereign Park to monitor the work. Early on, it came to our attention that the bin stores on both sides of the development and the cycle stores on the Barratt side do not have doors.

"This lack of security has led to numerous bin fires and cycle thefts, which is obviously a huge concern.

"This is just not acceptable and on behalf of residents, who regularly contact us over such issues, we are asking that the developers and management company, make the small and inexpensive gesture to secure the stores, especially considering residents in the flats pay over £700 a year in fees for these services."

Coun Horton said they had checked early on to make sure the estate met the "Secure By Design" standard.

He said: "Not only is personal property being stolen, but residents are now not bothering to own bikes.

"Furthermore, people's lives throughout York city are being put at risk when fire crews have to come out to attend these bin fires. There is also the risk of vermin infestation."

But Paul Newman, managing director at Barratt York, said: "We are committed to developing high quality new homes in York and the surrounding areas, and the security and well being of our customers is a key priority.

"As far as we are aware, the bin fires and cycle thefts are isolated incidents and problems that we have not experienced at our many other sites throughout the region.

"We are concerned that the York Labour group councillors have not spoken with us directly about these issues. We are very willing to meet with them to discuss their concerns and find a solution that is in the best interest of the residents at Sovereign Park."

No one from Persimmon was available for comment.