The war on the drugs menace in North Yorkshire has received a £1.4 million boost.

Crimefighters across the county will receive around £460,000 each year for the next three years, the Government announced last night.

The largest annual share £163,800 goes to York, although Harrogate, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby will also benefit.

Ministers said police, councils and other community leaders can make uptheir own minds on what to do with the money.

But it is likely to be spent on providing a more visible police presence indrug hotspots, new CCTV cameras, extra support for neighbourhood wardens and support for community and parents' groups.

The Government also wants to see measures to clamp down on the crimes whichfund drug habits burglary, theft, robbery and shoplifting.Home Office Minister Charles Clarke said: "Drugs cause misery, wreck livesand damage communities.

"We are backing the work of police and local people by providing them withthe tools and resources they need to drive drug dealers out of ourcommunities, tackle the wide range of crimes associated with drugs and helpto make our streets safe."

He added: "The Government wants the money put to work as soon as possible."The cash will be paid direct to local Crime and Disorder Partnerships, with the size of the allocation depending on the scale of the area's drugsproblem.

In addition to York, Harrogate will get £97,700 per year; Ryedale £47,100;Scarborough £88,300; and Selby £62,000.

Ministers are also providing the partnerships with "tool kits" to help inthe fight against illegal substances.

These will include information on where drug-related crime is likely to takeplace, profiles of offenders and information on how to develop strategies.Cabinet Office Minister Ian McCartney, whose son died from a drug overdose,added: "We won't tolerate the menace of drugs in our communities.

"This new money will enable agencies to step up their fight againstdrugs and the crime it breeds.

"It will get dealers off our kids' backs and into prison and help tosafeguard our communities."

Updated: 08:41 Tuesday, May 01, 2001