Under siege

Householders in Cleveland Street, off Holgate Road, blame a flurry of vandalism, nuisance behaviour and litter on drunken teenagers.

They say a secluded green space and basketball court at one end of their street and Upper St Paul's Terrace has become a favourite gathering place for youths.

Neighbourhood police officers are now investigating whether the area can be designated as an alcohol-free zone. They have also increased patrols and surveillance in the surrounding streets.

One 40-year-old resident said there had been some confrontations between youths and residents, and they want police action before the trouble escalates further.

He said: "We feel under siege. When some of the residents go out there it feels as if they are trespassing on their territory. They are not all bad kids, but it only takes a few to encourage them to start trouble. I just want something to be done before someone takes matters into their own hands."

PC Graham Cooper, Holgate ward manager, said he was looking at whether a booze ban could be enforced on the green area and street, as has been done in Walmgate and Museum Gardens.

He said: "We are trying to work with the council and other agencies to try and prevent problems. We want to arrest those that are breaking the law and encourage others to respect the needs of residents.

"I'd also want to appeal to parents - do you know where your children are every evening? I imagine that any responsible parents would not be happy to learn their child is drinking on the street."

Residents want action after a string of incidents over the past few months. They claim dozens of cars have been damaged, drainpipes smashed, graffiti spread over walls and drink debris left in the street.

Jane Mowat, of the Safer York Partnership, said: "This is a very disturbing situation which demands immediate and appropriate action.

"No York resident should be subjected to this offensive behaviour night after night, which is why an emergency planning meeting has been scheduled for this Friday. Key representatives from a number of agencies will be getting their heads together to tackle this from a number of different angles."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said they had not received any complaints about the area. She said the council would be happy to work with the police to resolve any problems.

Updated: 08:32 Friday, May 21, 2004