SECURITY is to be stepped up in Rawcliffe in York, in an attempt to curb antisocial behaviour by young people.

Residents have lodged complaints over large groups gathering in the evenings, and councillors are now poised to take action. Although the problems have eased in recent months, locals are concerned they may flare up again during the lighter, summer evenings.

Much of the trouble is concentrated around the children's play area in the recreation ground in Rawcliffe.

In a report to councillors, Safer York Partnership director Jane Mowat said: "While this play area is popular with parents and small children during the day, in the evening it becomes blighted by large groups of youths gathering on the equipment, often leaving substantial amounts of litter and broken bottles.

"There are a number of other play areas within the vicinity of the Rawcliffe Grange estate, none of which suffers from the same levels of disorder."

A number of options were considered, including installing CCTV. But it was felt that perpetrators would be aware of the cameras and hide their faces to avoid being recognised. Instead, the partnership wants to install higher fencing and a lockable gate, to prevent youngsters mis-using the site. The issue will be considered by the council's city strategy panel on Monday.

House-builder Barratts has also agreed to lock the local skateboard park.