ENVIRONMENT Minister Chris Mullin visited York to back the Labour Party's local election campaign in the city.

Mr Mullin, who is also a well-known author, was in the Burton Green area of the Bootham ward for which there will be a by-election on May 11.

Accompanied by Labour candidate Alexander Fraser and York MP Hugh Bayley, Mr Mullin was shown the first stages in the improvements which the city council will be making to the area over the next few months.

Mr Fraser said: "I am delighted that the Minister is able to see what Labour in York is doing for council areas."

But Liberal Democrat candidate Kim Tarry said: "It's good to see improvements made but I don't think enough is being done for the area.

"It's not just about the environment, we need a more visible police presence in the area so we don't see repeats of the problems we have had with youths' anti-social behaviour."

Ken Creek, candidate for Monk ward, said: "The work done in Burton Green has been very good as a start but we really need to see the council doing something more for the youth of the area. There needs to be an increase in youth workers and clubs."

Also running for the Bootham ward are Bill Bennett (Conservative Party), Eddie Vee (Official Monster Raving Loony Party) and Ajaye Black (Green Party).