A TOP security firm will continue to prowl west York for signs of trouble after residents voted to maintain its nightly patrols.

Householders decided to use cash from the ward committee budget to contract local security firm Mayfair Security to monitor the area in a van equipped with spy cameras.

Any incidents of antisocial behaviour are reported to the police, with the film footage used in evidence.

Acomb councillors David Horton and Tracey Simpson-Laing said they met with the company and a representative of the Safer York Partnership to finalise the action areas that will be patrolled.

These include locations such as Fish Ponds Wood, as well as snickets, local shops and play areas.

Residents can keep Mayfair Community Rangers informed of any problems in the area by phoning the hotline on 0800 783 7537.

Coun Horton said: "We had a very positive meeting with Mayfair, who are keen to address our concerns and those of residents.

"They represent a real security presence in the area which deters bad behaviour and helps to reassure people.

"They will report back on their work in the ward on a monthly basis, so we can identify if areas have become quieter or if areas have seen increased incidents which can then be targeted." Coun Simpson-Laing criticised the council's decision to not reopen Carr Youth Centre or invest enough cash in facilities for young people.

She said: "The majority of young people in the area cause no problem, it is just a very small percentage.

"However, I am confident that our decision to use Mayfair security to patrol the area will continue to a real difference and help to discourage antisocial behaviour."

Ian Crawford, Mayfair's director of group response, said they had provided neighbourhood patrols across the city since 1999.

"We're very pleased our services have been renewed for another year," he said.

"Residents seeing our regular patrols alleviate their fear of crime and gets a message over to the people causing antisocial behaviour that information will be gathered and passed on to the police."