IT sounds like a throwback to the hippy communes of the Sixties. But while they were founded on sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, the Acomb Festival of Love is more fancy dress, beer and the Brownies choir.

Although very different, both events shared a goal: to rebuild peace and friendship. For the San Franciscan drop-outs, these timeless values were threatened by the Vietnam war; for the modern folk of Acomb they are undermined by anti-social criminality.

A fun day at a local pub will do nothing in itself to stop the yobs. But it is an excellent statement of intent.

It says that there is much more to Acomb than, in the words of organiser Ethel Faul, "neighbours from hell, youths from hell and violence".

Acomb was swallowed up by York in 1937, and it has grown enormously since then. Yet it retains a village feel and that speaks volumes of the community spirit which still exists.

Vandalism, verbal abuse and violence have shaken that spirit. Tomorrow's event could help to renew Acomb's confidence and re-emphasise the neighbourliness of which the borough is rightly proud.

We hope it is a truly inclusive event for all ages. That means involving the many teenagers who want to feel a part of their home community.

Crime victim Doug Unwin today applauded the sentiment behind the Festival Of Love, but said "until the police get a grip" the bad news will continue.

But the police alone cannot reclaim the streets from the yobs. The desire and determination to do that has to come from the people who live there.

In reminding residents of all the positive aspects of Acomb life, the festival might spark a renewed community effort to tackle the negatives.

Updated: 10:34 Friday, March 05, 2004