A CALL has gone out to all York residents to stand together and drive out the yobs causing misery in some York communities.

Former Lord Mayor David Horton told last night's meeting that York residents' concerns should be the council's concerns.

Coun Horton said: "Let the residents know that we as a council intend to root out and prosecute the perpetrators of antisocial behaviour in the city of York.

"I am particularly mindful of the part that has been, and will continue to be, played by the Safer York Partnership and North Yorkshire Police.

"But we also need to involve the community and their local representatives, allowing them to become partners to positive action without the worry of recrimination. Campaigns like Operation Delivery and Operation Ratcatcher deserve our support to root out and prevent rats taking over our communities."

Coun Horton's motion had welcomed various Government initiatives towards tackling antisocial behaviour.

A Liberal Democrat amendment to the motion was carried, which recorded the council's support for the York Pride and Safe City campaigns.

It also called on members to give "unequivocal support" to various council initiatives aimed at cracking down on yobs.

Coun Horton and the Labour group opposed the use of the words "unequivocal support," saying they gave the ruling Liberal Democrats a "blank cheque."

Council leader Steve Galloway said any initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour were welcome.

But he challenged the Labour group to make its position clear.

He claimed Labour had been "lukewarm" on several Liberal Democrat moves to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour.

Coun Galloway said: "Are the Labour group prepared to do something about the problem rather than posture its way through the motions. We need to know where they actually stand. What will you put your hands up in support of?"

Before the meeting began, York and Selby magistrates' court legal advisor Emma Heptonstall explained how an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) can be made.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, November 12, 2003