Plan to curb anti-social behaviour at tourist site

A York visitor attraction has submitted plans to install a security fence to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

York Dungeon's operator Merlin Entertainments has applied to install a 10ft (3m) high anti-climb fence and gates in the yard behind its Clifford Street building.

The yard, which is shared with the Circuit Nightclub and Secret Bar, was attracting "vagrants, drug users and assaults", according to the application submitted to City of York Council.

York Dungeon's general manager Mark Mattinson said: "We are working collaboratively with our neighbouring businesses to install the new security fencing and exit gates so that we can ensure this activity ceases."

Mattinson added: "In the meantime, we continue to be well supported by both North Yorkshire Police and the York Business Improvement District Street Rangers in dealing with these instances as they occur.

"But sadly this intervention, alongside improved lighting and CCTV, is not enough of a deterrent to completely remove the issue."

Mattinson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the problem had become worse "over the last couple of years in both the daytime and the night time".

People loitering in the yard were blocking both venues' fire exits and creating a safety risk, the application to the council stated.

The authority is expected to decide on the planning application in the coming months.

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