FOUR close-knit York businesses are today celebrating securing thousands of pounds of ward committee cash to kit out their shopfronts with security shutters.

The popular parade of shops, at Intake Avenue, Clifton, which includes a fish and chip shop, chemist, post office and caterers, will now be kitted out with door and window shutters, providing planning permission is granted.

The work has been funded by a successful bid for £8,000 from the Clifton Central and Bootham West Ward Committee, topped up with contributions from the business owners themselves. Cath Neil, spokeswoman for residents' group Clifton Voice and proprietor of Bridge Fisheries, said: "Things aren't that bad round here, the majority of people are lovely and the situation is definitely quieter than it used to be.

"But, unfortunately, there are always going to be a few idiots who spoil things for everyone else, so anything that helps make a business more secure has got to be good.

"It is about reducing worry for us business owners as well. If these shutters act as a deterrent it means you are less likely to be worrying about if something is going to happen."

Alistair Murray, postmaster at Crichton Avenue Post Office, in the Intake Avenue parade of shops, also welcomed the news.

He said: "You can never assume anything, but I would like to think this will bring us more peace of mind.

"Any steps that can be taken to improve security have got to be welcomed. The businesses here have a healthy and close working relationship, we like working here, the residents like us being here, so this can only be good for us all."

Kristina Mortimer, neighbourhood co-ordinator for the ward committee, said: "A planning application is being prepared and should be submitted within six weeks. Obviously we are hopeful it will be approved.

"The ward committee viewed this scheme as having an important economic and social benefit to the area."

North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman Angela Boast said: "Anything that helps with the policing and security of an area has got to be welcomed."

Updated: 12:15 Wednesday, September 25, 2002