A POLICE chief has warned that officers will crack down on drunken and antisocial behaviour in York as revellers celebrate the New Year tonight.

York Police operations commander Superintendent Alison Higgins said officers will be looking out for revellers causing a nuisance both at home and in the city centre.

"Any antisocial behaviour will be positively policed, so if you drink too much and behave in a way which is unacceptable, you will be dealt with accordingly," she said.

"Extra police resources will be deployed to positively police the streets to deal with antisocial and drunken behaviour in the city.

"But another aspect is private parties. Many times last year police had to attend homes to deal with private party issues.

"So we would ask you to behave with consideration, warn your neighbours about the party and keep a check on your guests - you don't want us turning up and arresting them for antisocial behaviour."

She added: "People could also be hearing from environmental health officers and the council, who will be considering antisocial behaviour orders or possibly eviction orders in the future."

Police, ambulance services and City of York Council are all gearing up for a big night, as thousands of party-goers pack York's streets.

"Be friendly - after all, it is New Year's Eve, so don't give anyone the excuse for a punch-up," said Elaine Curtis, Safer York Partnership community liaison officer.

"Have fun and be safe and do be aware of the things to look out for.

"Beware of pickpockets; keep track of how much and what you are drinking; make sure you have arranged transport home; and, if you have to walk alone late at night, keep to main roads and well-lit streets.

"And don't risk drinking and driving, all these things can spoil your New Year."

Mike Proctor, York Hospital's lead director for health and safety, said: "We want everyone to have a great New Year, but try to make sure that your celebrations do not have a bad effect on your own health, or other people's."

But the hospital is prepared for the extra demand for its services over the big night, with many patients returning home for the holidays leaving extra beds and staff available to deal with any influx.

And council street cleaners are sure to be busy tomorrow morning.

"Our crews will be out to try to get as early a start as possible to get the city cleaned up. The major clean-up will start between four and five in the morning," said Roy Templeman, council director of environmental services.

"We clearly want people to enjoy themselves and have a good time, but also to have respect for the city.

"When people have too much to drink, we occasionally have to deal with people being sick and leaving a mess behind, which is a particularly unpalatable job, but our crews can deal with it.

"We would just say that although we want people to enjoy themselves, when they are making themselves ill they aren't doing themselves any good, as well as the city."

Meanwhile, after many inappropriate calls over Christmas for ambulance crews they have urged people for more thought before dialling 999.

"Call an ambulance for the wrong reason and someone could die," said an ambulance spokesman.

Updated: 08:28 Wednesday, December 31, 2003