AN ANONYMOUS poet has branded Walmgate "York's Own Rubbish Bin" - and many people living and working there agree with her.

The poet sent copies of her work to several businesses on Walmgate - including the Evening Press.

It describes how the area was "first rate", when she moved in, in 1962, but is now home to "drug addicts and burglars, the whole criminal range".

Speaking to the Evening Press under her pen name, Miss Asling, she said her inspiration was a friend who lives below a group of drug dealers.

"She is terrified. There is noise at all hours, they throw cigarette packets out of the windows to kids - and I bet they don't have cigarettes in them - and they have no respect for anyone.

"I wrote it after speaking to her. I thought that people should know what it's like here."

Walmgate Postmaster Brian Fletcher, whose business has been robbed twice in nine months, agreed much of the poem's content was true.

But he warned against giving Walmgate a label it couldn't shake off.

"There are problems down here, and whoever has written this has spotted quite a few of them.

"But it's not the only place in York to have difficulties and I wouldn't want the place to get a worse name than it needs to, because on the whole I think Walmgate is reasonably safe.

"Look at what is happening in Belfast, for instance, and it is all put into perspective."

Simon Simpson, owner of Simpson Family Butchers, said: "If things keep getting worse here the only people left will be yourselves (the Evening Press)."

Another business owner, who asked not to be named, said: "It's right. Druggies are doing it. They are scum, filth and should be thrown out of here."

Young residents Paul Stubbs and Alison Carlin, said: "It doesn't seem that bad round here. We haven't lived here long, though, and we went to university in Hull. Now that is rough."

Another 38-year-old resident, who wouldn't be named, said: "Drug addicts are causing a lot of the problems, so maybe something should be done to tackle their addiction instead of pretending it doesn't exist."

Chief Inspector Howard Harding, who is responsible for Walmgate's policing, said: "I have seen a copy and think it is an interesting way of telling the police about the problems the writer sees existing on Walmgate.

"I would like to assure her we are aware of the problems there.

"We are also aware some of the problems are drugs related. Drugs are a scourge of society and we enforce the law in an emphatic way in that area.

"Speaking more generally, I would also like to assure people that Walmgate is subject to regular police patrols.

"Officers will also be looking at the specific issues to be highlighted and taking action as and where necessary."

Updated: 11:50 Friday, September 14, 2001