NEW-style high-visibility "foot rangers" are set to provide extra security for people in the west of York.

Residents voted at the recent Acomb ward committee meeting to introduce the ground-breaking £6,000 initiative to streets in and around the Carr Estate.

City of York Council has earmarked thousands of pounds for the ward to be spent on a number of projects designed to benefit the area.

The foot rangers project is a change of direction for Mayfair Security which has previously deployed security patrols to scour streets in high-visibility vans. Acomb ward councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing said: "Local residents have voted to fund the scheme for the next 12 months. Mayfair has admitted that foot patrols are new for them.

"In the past residents did not feel the mobile patrols were practical or provided value for money.

"Foot patrols will bring extra peace of mind because the wardens will actually be out walking the streets.

"Mayfair is very keen to do this because they can build relationships with those seen as potential troublemakers."

The rangers will patrol the Carr Estate, from February, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at different intervals between 7pm and 11pm.

"The deal includes extra cover during the school holidays," Coun Simpson-Laing said.

"To aid monitoring, Mayfair has promised report backs at the next ward committees. I welcome the high number of votes cast by residents and look forward to the success of this exciting new project."

Residents also voted to introduce "alleygating" to back lanes in Jorvik Close and between Wetherby Road and Chapelfields Road, at a cost of £1,500 each.

Householders will be given a key to their back alley in order to deter intruders and fly-tipping.

Acomb Primary School has been allocated £1,000 to launch a campaign to deter pupils from dropping litter and a £1,200 grant has been awarded to Carr Vikings Junior Football Club to buy new kit and equipment.

Coun Simpson-Laing added: "I'm pleased with the residents' choices. It's obvious people want things for children and extra safety in the community."

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:10 Monday, January 27, 2003