POLICE are set to step in to help curb antisocial behaviour at a York library.

Youngsters have been accused of gathering at Tang Hall Library in Fifth Avenue, and causing problems.

As previously reported in The Press, City of York Council has had to recruit a security guard to patrol the grounds, and police are also now set to help combat the yobs.

In the past three months there have been 24 incidents mainly involving antisocial behaviour and criminal damage. Offences include items being thrown around; windows broken; youngsters using foul language; lights smashed; and general vandalism.

Local councillor Paul Blanchard today welcomed the increased efforts to tackle the troublemakers.

He said: "As councillor for the area, I'm well aware of the problems at Tang Hall library.

"I'm in regular touch with the residents who live in the immediate area, and have had a number of complaints.

"In the past three months there have been 24 incidents involving antisocial behaviour and criminal damage. These kind of incidents must also spoil the working environment of the library staff, as well as making life a misery for the local residents.

"It's great to see that the police are taking this seriously, and I am currently liaising with PC John Freer to secure a meeting with him and my fellow local councillors as soon as possible. Something can be done about this, and rest assured, it will be.

"As far as I am concerned, everyone has a right to live in peaceful and safe communities. Anti-social behaviour in all its forms is something we cannot allow to go unchecked.

"We have been given new powers to deal with this by the Government, and I'll make sure they are used - warning letters and interviews, contracts and agreements, fixed penalty notices, and penalty notices for disorder.

"We could even consider an ASBO or a parenting order if that's appropriate.

"I make no apology for the Government getting tough on this issue - we need to find out who is doing this, to stop them, and get them to understand the consequences of their behaviour."

A City of York Council spokesperson previously told The Press: "We are working closely with the police and other partners to tackle these problems and would urge local residents who witness antisocial behaviour in this area to report it to the police."

A council statement said the problems had been going on since October, with groups of up to ten youngsters gathering at a time.

It said they were loitering around the library from 4pm to 7pm most evenings, and regularly at weekends.