Stuart GouldenHowever beautiful our city’s streets, it’s almost impossible to ignore the unpleasant odours that haunt the alleyways of Coney Street and High Ousegate.
North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council are starting a new joint campaign using a council by-law to bring those who urinate in the city centre to justice and put our nostrils at ease.
As part of Operation Clean, police patrols will apprehend people committing this anti-social act and the officers’ evidence will be used by the council to prosecute perpetrators under the terms of a local by-law. If found guilty, individuals could be fined up to £500.
Councillor Dafydd Williams, City of York Council’s cabinet member for Crime and Stronger Communities said: “Supported by concerns raised by local businesses and residents we are taking an innovative approach to stop this unacceptable behaviour, which has public health implications and is a criminal offence for which you can be fined. With invaluable support from our partnership with the police, the council is working to ensure this problem is tackled effectively.”
Sergeant Fiona Willey of North Yorkshire Police said: “Operation Clean aims to end this anti social activity carried out by a small minority of city centre visitors. We are glad to be working with the council on this robust approach to dealing with offenders through the courts.”
The campaign will complement the ongoing Reinvigorate York scheme, which will see improvements to the resident and tourist experience across the city centre with an emphasis on design.
