VANDALS and litter louts have forced a York church to look at stepping up its security measures to stave off the threat of intruders.

Holy Trinity Church, in Micklegate, has applied to install a set of railings and a gate to prevent troublemakers sneaking on to its grounds.

The Parochial Church Council, which has drawn up the plans, said the church has been plagued by antisocial behaviour in recent years and discarded rubbish and abandoned needles have been found on the site.

In December 2007, yobs attacked a crib display set up in its grounds, ripped the head from a figure of the Virgin Mary and stole a statue of the baby Jesus.

In a design and access statement submitted to City of York Council as part of the application, the church council, said: “In recent times, the churchyard has become a target for antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

“A small area, well concealed from view, lies on the west side of the tower.

“In order to deter those who wish to abuse the space in question, it is proposed to erect a steel railing and gate to close off the access route on the north side of the tower.”

It said any measures would be sympathetic to the church’s listed status.

The Archdeacon of York, the Venerable Richard Seed, who is the church’s rector, said: “It is a sad fact of life that this happens and it is usually at its worse in the summer and on race days.

“The area is quite invisible from Priory Street and unfortunately it has been used as an open-air toilet and a place where bottles and cans are dropped, while we have also found needles there.

“We also want to prevent people jumping over the wall into the nearby car park, which is close to properties and businesses.”

Planners are expected to make a decision on the scheme in May.