York joins forces with police to stamp out drink-fuelled trouble

A new strategy is being drawn up to tackle drink-related violence and crime in the historic city of York thanks to long-held concerns that the problems are undermining the city’s multi-million pound tourism industry.

A package of funding has been secured from the Government to establish a dedicated anti-social behaviour hub in York, which will provide a closer link between both North Yorkshire Police and York Council.

One of the North Yorkshire force’s most senior officers, Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, joined the council’s chief executive Kersten England to visit pubs and clubs in the city on Friday evening.

They held talks with the landlords and managers of the licensed premises to glean their views amid plans to review the city’s Alcohol Restriction Zone and Cumulative Impact Zone, which are designed to keep a close check on drink-related trouble and offences.

Mr Madgwick said: “North Yorkshire Police understands that the night-time economy of York is very important, both in terms of the revenue that it brings to businesses and also to the community who enjoy the vibrant city.

“We are committed to maintaining the balance between the majority who want nothing more than a fun night out and that small minority who are determined to cause trouble.

“The purpose of this initiative was so that I can see for myself and offer support to colleagues working on the frontline in this operation.

“We will work tirelessly with our partners to help, support and protect those in a position of vulnerability, and will deal robustly with those who commit offences.”

The issue of alcohol-fuelled violence and crime has been a long-running issue in York, which is famed for its large number of pubs and bar and attracts a total of 7.1 million visitors who bring in £443m to the local economy each year.

The Yorkshire Post revealed that in December 2012 there were fears that an increasing number of bars, restaurants and takeaways were skewing the economy away from the retail sector.

Coun Brian Watson, a Labour member who represents the central Guildhall ward, maintained residents in the heart of York were enduring a catalogue of drink-fuelled problems. He claimed the notorious Micklegate Run, traditionally the domain of stag and hen parties, is being shifted to what he dubbed the Swinegate Stagger after the historic quarter in the city centre.

Figures released by the council revealed that there were 312 licences premises within the city walls, with 84 pubs, bars and nightclubs. The number of licensed premises across the whole city has risen to 911 from 810 in the space of only two years.

A total of £58,000 has now been provided towards the running of an anti-social behaviour hub in York through the Home Office’s Police Innovation Fund following a successful bid by North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan.

Latest figures have shown there are about 12,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to the police and 3,500 reported to York Council each year. The launch of the hub in the council’s West Offices headquarters in the spring will introduce a new approach which will involve merging resources, powers and expertise.

The aim of the hub is to ensure a more efficient response to anti-social behaviour by deploying a single team of frontline enforcement officers from both organisations.

Chief Constable Dave Jones will be able to grant specific policing powers to council staff through the introduction of Community Safety Accreditation Scheme enforcement officers.