AS one of the community-based police officers for the Clifton ward, I write to express my understanding and sharing of concerns of the residents of Shipton Street regarding the proposal to relocate the Arc light project to the old school premises.

I can fully understand their perception that Clifton is yet again to draw a short straw in light of other problems suffered by the ward.

I too regard the proposal with serious concerns (perhaps for selfish reasons because I have enough on my plate as it is).

However, I have also had the chance to speak with Jeremy Jones who enlightened me about his objectives and hopes for provision to try and reduce a genuine social problem which, whether we like it or not, is the responsibility of us all to try and resolve.

I suggest anyone attending the public meetings about these proposals goes armed with more than Nimby (not in my back yard) and prejudice to challenge this proposal.

I have to sit on the fence on this one but I predict the battle of words in the next few weeks will be ideology with tempting sweeteners versus house prices, reality and prejudice.

David Heaven,

York Centre for Safer Communities,

Lower Friargate, York.

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, July 28, 2005