A plan to clean up areas hit by vandalism and assess the need for youth and community facilities is being set in motion in the Chapelfields area of York.

City of York Council is to consult residents to secure improvements around the Bramham Road shops area of the Chapelfields district.

The council and Chapelfields Residents' Association will consult residents in the autumn over the future of several buildings in the area which have attracted vandalism.

A recent meeting of community representatives, ward councillors, executive members and council officers agreed that priority should be given to tackling the problems associated with empty properties at Bramham Road shops, Chapelfields and the wider youth and community facilities.

Dilys Jones, the council's investment and development manager in the Community Services Department, said: "The empty shops and flats at Sanderson House have been a target for antisocial behaviour which has led to vandalism and graffiti.

"The council's estate management team will continue to keep a close watch on the area on a regular basis, and in the short term to clear rubbish and graffiti from the communal areas.

"Once the Chapelfields Residents Association has appointed its estate worker, this person will carry out regular checks and clearances if required."

Coun Sue Galloway, one of the councillors responsible for the Chapelfields area, said: "The shops in Bramham Road have always been a magnet for vandals.

"There has been some innovative work going on that could see the redevelopment of the Sanderson House flats and the redevelopment of the youth club in Bramham Avenue.

"There have been some discussions around whether or not we redevelop those areas and whether or not the facilities that are currently there need to be re-provided, perhaps in the centre of the estate or at Westfield School.

"There is also a playgroup in the area and their needs have to be taken into account as well."

A consultation with local residents and stakeholders in the area is being planned for the autumn.

People will be asked for their views on a range of issues including the potential demolition of the shops and flats, re-provision of new housing, what, if any, community facilities are required, and if so where these should be located.

Ms Jones said: "This will be an important initiative in Chapelfields and we hope that everyone will participate and have their say in the future of the area."

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, June 27, 2001