PHONE BOXES and benches could be removed from a York street in an effort to combat drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Street furniture placed in Walmgate for local people could be removed after becoming a magnet for criminals, a crime-fighting group has warned.

Benches, a phone box and walls with bike racks are used as a gathering place, said Elaine Curtis, community liaison officer for the Safer York Partnership.

"We have been approached by some residents who are concerned about activity around the parade of shops.

"The main issues are being kept awake in the early hours of the morning by drinkers on the benches outside the shops, and drug dealers using the phone box outside the post office," said Ms Curtis.

Now the Walmgate and Navigation Crime Action Group, made up of police, housing, business and resident representatives, is consulting residents on the way forward for the area.

"We have to think about the way the area looks," said police ward manager PC Howard Smelt-Webb.

"For example, does it need two phone boxes there? Do the residents feel they would prefer the benches to be moved?"

Residents and businesses have contacted the Evening Press with their concerns about the area.

"I think it's outrageous what's going on in Walmgate," said Zak Heyes, owner of Rock-ola music shop. "There are people on this street who have absolutely no respect for decent society. They come down with their beer cans and smoking joints, and we always say that the circus has come to town.

"We just wish they would take action," he said.

Ms Curtis said the group recognises the importance of engaging with residents and businesses in the area to try to find a way forward.

"There's a need to broaden out the consultation to local people to see what people really are thinking," she said. "When we have got feedback from as many people as possible we can say this is what people want - or don't want.

"I think it's really important to ask people about these things that affect them rather than just going ahead and doing things."

Ms Curtis and PC Smelt-Webb will be in Walmgate outside the parade of shops in the POD (Police On Doorsteps) van on Monday, September 29, from 2pm to 5pm, and Tuesday, October 7, from 10am to 1pm, or phone Ms Curtis on 01904 655371.

Updated: 08:34 Friday, September 19, 2003