WALKING down Micklegate early last Thursday evening I saw five youths out on the town. They were drunk and, judging by their hyper state, were probably on drugs too.

In the short time I was on Micklegate and Ouse Bridge, I saw them picking fights and attacking men who were by themselves; manhandling every single young woman they passed; shouting and screaming abuse; jumping on car roofs and doing anything they wished.

Are the police so cash-strapped they can't afford to have patrols in such areas on busy nights? I used to see occasional patrols, but not any more.

Prominent CCTV cover is also necessary to act as a deterrent.

Alan Flint,

Windmill Rise, York.

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, August 06, 2003