A STRING of community projects has been given the green light by residents in the Westfield and Foxwood areas of York.

City of York Council has allocated more than £25,500 to be spent on a number of schemes designed to benefit the Westfield area after residents voted at a Westfield Ward Committee meeting - chaired by local councillors Sue Galloway and Andrew Waller - on how they want the cash to be spent.

Nearly £10,000 has been earmarked to continue with the community wardens scheme, run by Mayfair Group Response. The wardens patrol streets vulnerable to street crime.

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of Acomb Police, said: "Anything that gives us more eyes and ears on the ground has got to be a good thing."

Another £1,265 project will fund a guard rail along Gale Lane and Askham Lane to protect pedestrians by preventing cyclists mounting the pavement.

A £2,000 grant has been allocated to Age Concern for additional day club places for pensioners in the ward and a further £1,000 will be spent on planting and hedging work to secure boundaries in Bachelor Hill field.

A number of groups benefited from handouts last year.

Hob Moor School's after-school club was boosted by a £1,000 grant to provide soft furnishings and play equipment.

Club organiser Karen Elwood said: "The after-school club benefits the community in many ways. The consistent childcare makes it easier for parents to extend their working hours or return to work or study, secure in the knowledge that their children are safe."

Meanwhile, in Foxwood ward, residents have also voted to provide community rangers in Woodthorpe, Foxwood and Cornlands Road.

A new bus shelter will be constructed at the top of Foxwood Lane, near Otterwood Lane, and a contribution will be made to conserve Acomb Wood Meadow and Acomb Wood.

Foxwood ward councillor Steve Galloway said: "We're delighted that so many people have voted on the schemes.

"Over the years a significant difference has been made in tackling parking problems in narrow streets in the ward.

"Security schemes have been particularly well received."

Updated: 11:02 Monday, October 14, 2002