Crime-fear street to stay within alcohol zone

THE historic approach to the main entrance on York's medieval walls has been included in a crackdown to prevent alcohol-fuelled violence in the city centre after initial blueprints have been revised.

Blossom Street, which leads to Micklegate Bar and dates from the Roman era, has been incorporated within a new designated zone to monitor the number of licensed premises in the city centre.

Residents had voiced concerns that the street was to be ditched from an original cumulative impact zone (CIZ) which was launched five years ago.

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Coun Dave Merrett, who represents the Micklegate ward on York Council, had petitioned members on the gambling and licensing acts committee to ensure that Blossom Street remained within the revised area of the CIZ.

He claimed that despite the use of the CIZ, there had been an increase in crime in the area, prompting fears that problems would escalate if Blossom Street fell outside the zone.

There were eight assaults and 30 cases of anti-social behaviour reported in 2008, although the figures had increased to 12 and 33 respectively for last year.

Coun Merrett said: "The level may not be as high as further into the city centre, but the level is still not acceptable to local residents.

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"One also needs to bear in mind that not all instances of crime and anti-social behaviour get reported. Given the representations of local residents, I felt this (the inclusion of Blossom Street) was necessary and am glad it was unanimously agreed."

North Yorkshire Police requested that the CIZ boundaries should be revised to include more of the city's 322 licensed premises. It now includes Market Street, Lendal, Coney Street and Blake Street. Tower Gardens has been removed.