A SPECIAL event that saw crimefighters and councillors discuss crime and antisocial behaviour with members of a York community was today hailed a success.

The "drop-in" event was held at Scarcroft Green, in the Micklegate council ward, by the area's three Labour councillors - Dave Merrett, Sandy Fraser and David Evans.

The three said crime and community safety were issues raised regularly by residents during the recent local election campaign.

The event saw community police officers, representatives of the Safer York Partnership, and the Mayfair Security firm, which provides the community ranger service in the area, gather to meet members of the local community on Scarcroft Green.

Coun Fraser said: "It went very well. Over 60 local residents took advantage of the opportunity to bend the ear of local crime enforcement agencies, local councillors, and council officers.

"People were talking about nuisance youths on the green itself, under-age drinking and some drug problems that we were aware of.

"The majority of young people here are decent guys, there are just one or two ringleaders who are real mischief makers.

"I have had two kids grow up in this area myself and I am conscious that for teenagers there is not a great deal to do. We now need to see what constructive activities we can make available for young people in this area."

Coun Merrett, Labour group leader, said the event was helping to bring the police closer to the local community. "As local councillors, we have a role in bringing local residents' problems and concerns to the attention of all the relevant agencies," he added.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, July 15, 2003