New gates to stop drinkers urinating under flats

The flats, in Fetter Lane, have an undercroft which can be accessed from the street

New gates have been proposed for a block of flats after residents complained of drinkers urinating in their undercroft.

Those living in Constantine House, in Fetter Lane, have reported revellers frequently relieving themselves in the area and homeless people taking refuge there.

Plans submitted to York City Council would see automated security gates fitted to the entrance of the undercroft.

The application stated the gates would allow those living there to get in and out by foot and car while ensuring non-residents could not gain access to the area.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the inner part of the undercroft is currently fitted with a gate but its entrance on Fetter Lane can be accessed from the street.

Plans said: "Unfortunately, given the openness of the undercroft, it has become an increasing issue for the residents of Constantine House to suffer from homeless people taking refuge or for town revellers to urinate or defecate within this undercroft area."

The flats lie close to Micklegate, which is home to a number of pubs and bars.

They are also within walking distance of York Station and the Ouse Bridge.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.