Councillors in York are proposing to close certain alleys in the city as an anti-crime measure.

The use of lockable gates on alleys in some parts of London has reduced crime by up to 90 per cent.

ANIMAL FAIR: To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League will be holding its Summer Fair in Northallerton Town Hall on Saturday, August 9, between 9am and 4pm. There will be a cake stall, tombola and raffle, plant stall, toy stall, books, games and more. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

CHURCH PLAN: The former Arts Centre in York may be converted into a restaurant. A developer has bought the St John's Church site from York University and has submitted plans to redevelop the Grade II-listed building.

HEALTH TALK: The next meeting of the Northallerton Civil Service Retirement Fellowship will be in the Zion Hall, Northallerton, on September 9, at 2pm. The speaker will be Judith Beattie who will give a talk on being a sister in the NHS. All retired civil servants are welcome.

BAKERY BLAZE: Firefighters tackled a blaze at the Cooplands Bakery in Eastfield, Scarborough, early yesterday. It took two hours to bring the fire under control.

MACHINERY HAULl: Thieves stole machinery worth almost £3,000 from an outbuilding at Sproxton, near Helmsley. The haul included a green Kawasaki quad bike worth about £2,500.

CEMETERY RAID: Vandals smashed three headstones in the Beverley Road cemetery in Norton, near Malton. Police are appealing for witnesses to call (01723) 509662.

BLOCKED PATHS: Council bosses in the York area are planning a crackdown on landowners who block public rights of way. The Ramblers' Association has welcomed the move.