TWO top council figures from York are to meet the Middlesbrough mayor dubbed "Robocop" - and his methods could be coming to the city.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway and chief executive David Atkinson will visit Ray Mallon on a fact-finding mission to the Teesside town.

They will look at the Raising Hopes campaign, launched by Mr Mallon since his election as mayor.

Raising Hopes is similar to the Liberal Democrats' York Pride campaign, aimed at improving the quality of neighbourhoods across the city.

Coun Galloway said: "It is claimed that by devoting enough resources they can stay on top of petty offending, reduce the offending rates and reoffending rates.

"We think we are ahead of the game here with the Street Scene and community support officers, but if there is anything else they are doing in Middlesbrough that we are not here then we may be interested in it."

Mr Mallon said: "At first glance, people might think that York and Middlesbrough are two very different places in terms of heritage and background.

"But all urban centres now in many respects face the same challenges - securing a decent environment for citizens, building sustainable communities and a platform for regeneration.

"We would be delighted to share our experiences with colleagues from York."

Chief Superintendent John Lacy, York and Selby area police commander, said: "I am very much aware of the fact-finding mission.

"Any good practice Mr Atkinson and Councillor Galloway see in Middlesbrough would be very welcome here in York."

Mr Mallon was elected Mayor of Middlesbrough in a landslide election result last year.

The so-called zero tolerance policies Mr Mallon pioneered while a detective superintendent in Cleveland Police, earned him his "Robocop" nickname.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, June 26, 2003