POLICE in York joined forces with the local community to help tidy up one of the city’s green spaces yesterday.

Young people from the area around the Little Knavesmire, off Albemarle Road, volunteered their time alongside local residents and police cadets at a litter picking session.

Together they spent the evening gathering litter to keep the area looking clean and tidy.

The event followed reports of antisocial behaviour last month – which prompted increased patrols by the York Neighbourhood Policing Team and a request for parents to monitor their children’s behaviour.

Sergeant Mark Grimes, of York Police, said: “A few weeks ago we had to take action after increasing reports of young people congregating, drinking and behaving in an antisocial way. Since then, with increased patrols and dispersal orders in place, the situation has greatly improved, and I’d like to thank everyone who supported us.

“The litter picking session was really well-attended by enthusiastic residents both young and old. It just goes to show that a small minority of individuals were involved in the disorder, and their actions do not reflect the vast majority of young people in this area.

“It was really positive for different parts of the community to meet each other, talk to their local police team, and show that we can all work together to ensure this wonderful part of York remains a great place to live and visit.”