DRUNKEN stag and hen parties are turning the centre of York into a 'no-go area' for families at weekends.

It isn't us saying that. It is the police and the city council.

"York is no longer viewed as a safe, family-friendly city on a Saturday," they warn, in a joint letter to the city's licence holders.

This has been a problem for years. But it is shocking to find that the issue has become so bad the authorities themselves feel forced to use such strong language.

Landlords and nightclub bosses are to be called to a crisis meeting at York racecourse next week in an attempt to find a solution.

Previous talks have involved big organisations in the city, says Insp Andy Godfrey of North Yorkshire Police. Now it is time to see what licensees have to say.

Some have already pointed the finger of blame at the police, saying officers should do more to clamp down on drunken rowdiness in the street - and that alcohol should be banned on certain trains coming to York so revellers don't arrive already drunk.

Other people might say bars, clubs and off-licences themselves must take some responsibility - pointing to things like cheap drinks deals.

This mustn't be allowed to become a blame game, however.

What is needed is for everyone - police, council, breweries, pubs and clubs - to work together to find some kind of solution.

We don't want to stop anyone having a good time in our beautiful city.

But nor do we want to see decent families driven away by tanked-up, rowdy revellers with no thought for anyone but themselves.