THE fight against drugs in York has been given a major boost, with more than £500,000 of Government cash being pumped into initiatives across the city.

The city's crime-fighting alliance, Safer York Partnership, will receive the funding over the next three years to bolster anti-drugs schemes.

A range of initiatives are being supported by the funding, which will also strengthen the work of North Yorkshire Police's new drugs squad.

The Community Outreach Project will build on a successful mobile outreach scheme, which operates in the city centre to offer services to drug users. Two full-time workers will run a "gateway" service bringing information, treatment and support to users who do not currently access services.

Specialist youth workers will run an information caf bar at Chapelfields Community Centre, in partnership with local residents, to steer young people away from drugs by offering non-judgmental support and practical advice on employment, training and health. It will feature an information resource room, provide access to information technology, and cater for both young people and parents.

Security improvements in the community are also being included. Action will be taken to stop drug users blighting residents' lives by using certain areas to take drugs, such as "dummy" landings at the top of blocks of flats in the city.

Jane Brown, director of the partnership, said: "These funds give us a great opportunity to make an impact on drugs issues in York and to link initiatives to the York Crime Reduction Strategy."

Proposals for the initial £163,800 have been considered by the Drug and Alcohol Reference Group, and the resulting spending plan approved by the Drug Action Team, the Area Police Commander and Safer York Partnership.

A successful bid for cash by North Yorkshire Police will see a Force Drugs Squad Analyst appointed to provide analytical services to help target the work of the force's new drugs squad.

And a new drugs squad van, armed with the latest surveillance technology, will be provided to help hit the supply of drugs in the county.

Chief Superintendent Gary Barnett, Central Area Police Commander, said: "This funding gives real resources with which to carry forward the fight against drugs. Extra capacity for analysis of crime and better equipment will greatly improve our ability to target offenders and take effective action."

Cash has also been earmarked to analyse how best to provide help for the parents and carers of drug users.

Safer York Partnership brings together City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police, and a host of other community, business and voluntary groups to reduce crime and the fear of crime and improve quality of life.

Updated: 12:28 Thursday, December 06, 2001