A CRACKDOWN on drink-fuelled antisocial behaviour has been launched in the area around a York centre for homeless people.

Police are being urged to seize and destroy alcohol in the vicinity of the Arc Light Centre, in Union Terrace, using new powers granted last year when it was declared an alcohol exclusion zone.

And Arc Light staff have taken “robust” steps against some residents known to have misbehaved, with staffing levels being increased on evenings so they can intervene if necessary.

Arc Light chief executive Jeremy Jones and PC Ray Milligan, of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, have written a joint letter to local residents, explaining they are aware of an increase in disorder in the area and apologising if any of it has been caused by Arc Light residents.

They say powers to tackle problems are not always being implemented and information is not always being fed back to Arc Light, and Arc Light has held a meeting with police to see how they can urgently address the problems.

“We shall be working together to monitor and exchange information about all incidents to establish the names of those involved as well as the times of the incidents, so that we can take appropriate collective action,” they said.

“In the immediate short-term, Arc Light has already taken robust steps against some residents known to have been involved and will be increasing the staffing levels for the evening shift, which could enable staff intervention if known Arc Light residents are acting in an antisocial fashion.”

The letter urged residents to contact police – and the centre if necessary – when any incidents occurred, so they could work collectively to prevent further problems.

“Arc Light is conscious of its responsibility towards the local community and hopes that this letter, and subsequent action, will demonstrate commitment to ensuring that the service responds promptly and effectively to any concerns that are raised.”