Safety plea on Ascot licences

Vast numbers of extra racegoers, plus a likely "prodigious amount of alcohol being consumed" could worsen off-racecourse problems if public safety isn't high on the list, said Labour leader Dave Merrett.

Coun Merrett, who is also ward councillor for Micklegate, was pressing for public order questions to be given careful consideration when licensing applications are considered for June's Royal Ascot At York festival.

He said: "When the licensing for the Ascot event is considered, I hope the terms will reflect the need to put public order and local community safety outside the course high on the list.

"The much larger number of people than normal, coupled with the likely prodigious amount of alcohol being consumed could worsen previous off-course problems.

"Ascot in York needs to be a success for York residents as well as visitors to our city."

Coun Sandy Fraser, also a Micklegate ward representative, said: "I want to make sure local residents are at the heart of police planning for Ascot," he said.

"Local residents know race days can produce disorder and disturbance on our streets, and with an event on the scale of Ascot it is even more important that police are out on our residential streets keeping trouble to a minimum."

Coun Fraser said he hoped the security needs of some high-profile visitors to Ascot would not detract attention from community policing or increase disruption for local residents.

"We understand that there will be a lot of security surrounding some of the visitors to Ascot, but it is important that disruption for local people is kept to a minimum."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Licensing is a serious issue with many implications for both residents and visitors, and we are formulating an appropriate strategy for it.

"The well-being of the residents of York and the rest of North Yorkshire is foremost in our concerns."

Updated: 10:50 Monday, January 31, 2005