A BUSY taxi rank in the centre of York has had its hours reduced, as the city council steps up its battle on late-night antisocial behaviour.

The stand for hackney carriages on the south-east side of Duncombe Place - just opposite the Dean Court Hotel - will now be closed between the hours of 10pm and 7.30am.

The new timings came into force on June 18.

It had previously been used by taxis around the clock. However, problems with noise had worsened as a result of new extended licensing hours, which meant more people were using the rank late at night.

When the changes were first proposed, the move was welcomed by David Brooks, general manager at the Dean Court Hotel, as well as local residents, other businesses and the police.

However, it was slammed by York Taxi Association secretary Alan Rowley, who said the problems were nothing to do with the rank, instead being caused by youths gathering at the nearby Boer War memorial.

At the time, Mr Rowley said: "Moving the taxi queue will do nothing. Let's look in three months - the antisocial behaviour will still be there."

Mr Rowley described the change as "trying to solve an algebra problem by chewing gum - it's not going to work".

But a City of York Council spokeswoman said the operating hours have been reduced as part of a series of crime prevention measures.

That includes working in partnership with residents, businesses, police and the Safer York Partnership to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the area around the Boer War memorial gardens and Duncombe Place.

Other measures that have been introduced include an alcohol exclusion zone in the Boer War memorial gardens, increased lighting, and the cutting back of shrubbery.

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