POLICING of race days in York will aim to build on the successes of last year - which saw a fall is anti-social behaviour.

Efforts will also be made to reduce the impact of traffic and private hire operators on small streets near the racecourse.

The issues were raised at a meeting between residents, North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council and representatives from York Racecourse over concerns about raceday policing held on Wednesday last week.

Councillor Jonny Crawshaw, who represents Micklegate ward and set up the meeting, said: “There is an ongoing dialogue with private hire operators and the traffic management planners to try and reduce the impact on small streets around South Bank and I will be keeping a very close eye on this throughout the season as I know it is becoming an increasing problem.”

Sergeant Danny Leach, of North Yorkshire Police, said the force would build “on the success of last year" which saw a fall in anti-social incidents despite rising crowd numbers, with more PCs and PCSOs available to the force this year.

James Brannan, from York Racecourse, said: “It was a useful thing to do and a constructively framed meeting, I think the residents benefited from hearing Sgt Leach outline what his plans were and we were happy to attend.”

Cllr Crawshaw added “the vast majority of racegoers do not cause problems”, and he was “hopeful of continuing trouble-free events throughout the course of the year”, but said public urination was one of the main problems for local residents.

Sgt Leach said residents should not confront offenders, but phone 101 with a location, or notify nearby officers. Residents can pass any concerns to Cllr Crawshaw at cllr.jcrawshaw@york.gov.uk