EXPERIENCED York community workers have said the city faces a "bleak future" if council chiefs decide to put its crime-fighting partnership in jeopardy by slashing its budget.

Keith Chapman, who has chaired Nunnery Lane Residents' Association for more than nine years, said Safer York Partnership (SYP) performs a vital role in creating a more secure community.

Acomb resident John Bevan, who runs one of the city's biggest neighbourhood watch groups, said it was "ludicrous" to consider taking money away from the group.

Their comments came after staff at the Low Friargate group held an emergency meeting to discuss what council "funding pressures" could mean for their future.

Steve Galloway, City of York Council leader, announced earlier this week that he was reviewing whether the £190,000 given to the partnership each year could be better spent in-house.

SYP experts advised Nunnery Lane residents on the best ways of spending their estate improvement grant. PC Jim Shanks, architectural liaison officer, also provided advice on home security and methods of helping people feel secure when walking in public. Mr Chapman, of St Benedict Road, said taking the funding away would be a "kick in the teeth" for staff who have spent six years establishing the group at the forefront of crime prevention.

He said: "Our estate owes that partnership a great deal for their advice and making our estate a safer place and I am sure that other areas will say the same thing.

"It will be a sad day for those needing advice and support if Safer York is forced to close.

"They bring people like Age Concern and Neighbourhood Watch groups together."

Mr Bevan, of Lindsey Avenue, said he feared that many York residents do not realise the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that SYP does on their behalf.

He said: "It's a worthwhile scheme and I would hate it to be put in jeopardy through lack of funds.

"It's appalling that any political party would even consider this, because it's a major issue not just in York, but all over the country.

"When you start a scheme like this you have to keep it going."

York's police commander Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick said he hoped that York council "will recognise the benefits" that SYP brings to the city.

Mr Galloway said although council bosses are "generally very comfortable" with the work done by SYP, they want to consider whether tax-payers would get better value if the council took on their work directly.

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, November 24, 2004