TOUGHER rules on flyers being handed out in York could be considered in an attempt to clean up the city-centre.

A “no flyer zone” has already been introduced in parts of central Leeds, with those who distribute promotional leaflets, cards and stickers without consent being fined or prosecuted.

City of York Council officials have suggested a similar scheme could help tackle York’s litter problems.

The idea has been raised during a wider council review of how York’s night-time economy can be improved, and recommendations on how flyers can be dealt with are expected to be included in a final report listing ways of bringing the city to life in the evenings.

The authority’s community safety committee was this week told nightclub flyers, together with broken glass, takeaway wrappers and rubbish from overturned bins, were the main cause of litter in the city-centre at night.

Under the Leeds scheme, anybody wanting to distribute flyers in certain areas must apply for permission, which is at the discretion of Leeds City Council. They must then explain what the purpose is and how many flyers they plan to hand out. A monthly “authorisation badge” costs £50.

“The issue with flyers is specific to certain areas of the city-centre, and proactive enforcement through the regulation of leafleters – nightclubs and bars – would help to reduce the problem,” said a report by scrutiny officials.

“Officers in the council’s public realm department would welcome the introduction of a ‘no flyer zone’ in the city-centre, or, alternatively, a consent scheme suggesting applicant fees could be used to provide extra funding for street-cleaning.”

An online survey on York’s night-time economy highlighted cleaner streets and the number of litter bins as areas for improvement.

More than a third of those who took part saying the city centre’s cleanliness after 5pm was only adequate and almost 25 per cent saying it was poor or very poor.

Problems with commercial rubbish being targeted by vandals after being left out overnight, and with takeaway food staining pavements, have also been identified.

Recommendations are set to go before the council’s main scrutiny committee next month.