City's crime fight

Members will work across the political divide to probe the causes and impact of offences blighting the city centre.

They plan to study links between drugs, binge drinking and crime before examining ways to tackle the problem.

Recently-released council performance figures show a rise in violent offences committed by strangers in York. Attacks in pubs and clubs also rose.

Labour group leader Coun Dave Merrett said he hoped the work of the community safety and economic development scrutiny board would make a difference - and not just prove another talking shop.

He told the Evening Press: "There are a wide range of problems associated with drugs and alcohol and they have a major impact on crime levels and antisocial behaviour in the city."

Coun Merrett, who suggested the topic, added: "Drug addiction is not just a personal tragedy but a social problem. It affects families, neighbours and friends.

"Alcohol is also associated with crime and social disturbance, with violence and antisocial behaviour often resulting from binge drinking.

"National crime figures show that York has a relatively high level of recorded violent crime in comparison to similar areas, much of it city centre and drink-related."

He said the group wanted to know why and would look at new ways of making the city safer.

Board vice-chairman and Labour colleague Coun Paul Blanchard said he was looking forward to getting to grips with an "ambitious topic".

He said: "I hope we can get lots of people involved in discussing this topic and come out with some solutions that can really make a difference."

Board chairman Coun Keith Hyman, a Liberal Democrat, said one topic he was ready to focus on was drug misuse by York schoolchildren.

He said: "There does not seem to be that much publicity about it, but we are all aware that it does take place.

"The sooner we can educate people about the dangers the better."

Updated: 09:23 Saturday, July 03, 2004