THE long-running issue of boy racers driving around Wentworth Street car park, Malton, at night, is being tackled by police.

Inspector Andy Everitt, Ryedale police commander, told the Malton Rural East Community and Police group meeting in Rillington, that a pilot scheme using bollards to restrict room for overnight parking is being introduced which would also restrict driving. Insp Everitt said it was hoped the scheme would be in place by the summer.

He also unveiled two schemes to make Ryedale a safer place to be out at night. Volunteers known as Street Angels will be patrolling Malton and Norton at night to offer support to people in need.

It will be a replica of a similar scheme run in Scarborough, which is backed by church groups in the resort.

Insp Everitt said another new initiative to combat night-time crime in the twin towns is Taxi Watch.

Up to eight taxi drivers will have Apex radios which will be directly connected to the police station to enable incidents to be reported quickly.