YOUR article "Top cop's dilemma over York's beggars" (June 17) gave the impression that the police were only paying lip service to the issues of beggars to appease the business community, City of York Council and the tourist industry.

That is far from the truth. My officers continue to take positive enforcement action against beggars, drug dealers and street drinkers.

Already 127 cases have this year been brought before the courts under the Vagrancy Act for begging.

While that offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000, in practice this often becomes a £50 fine or a couple of hours spent in the police cell and very quickly those beggars are back on the streets.

That is why, together with the council, we are seeking changes in legislation to tackle these problems.

We are determined to rid our streets of beggars and street drinkers. It cannot be right that those who live in, or visit, this lovely city cannot enjoy its parks and facilities because of street drinkers, or are afraid of being contaminated by discarded needles or harassed by aggressive beggars, or lose business because of them.

My plea was for the whole city to come together to tackle these issues. If it means seeking harsher penalties, lobbying for more money for the homeless or, indeed, providing areas out of the public eye for street drinkers and drug takers because enforcement does not work, then let's do it.

If we don't this city could quickly lose its reputation as one of the top tourist attractions in this country.

Ch Supt John Lacy,

York Police Station,

Fulford Road,

York.

Updated: 11:53 Friday, June 20, 2003