I COULD not let your front page article of 'Yobs make life hell' (November 16) pass without putting an alternative point of view.

Since moving to Riccall eight years ago, I have never seen any graffiti, been 'egged' or verbally abused - despite living just round the corner from the alley in question.

Yes, Riccall has bored youth - as do most local villages - but what is Riccall as a community doing to ease the supposed situation?

Some time ago the parish council sold off for building land a small open play-space which was well used for ball games since it was central and within earshot if not eyeline of parents.

The money raised was used in the main to fund a twee "millennium green" a quarter of a mile away on the village outskirts where pretty flowers and interesting shrubs preclude robust games.

Just this week residents were informed by newsletter that the recreation field was to be redeveloped.

There is no youth club in Riccall despite excellent facilities at the new community centre. Why not? The council has spent local taxes on a private security patrol.

Could the sudden prominence of this allegedly long-standing problem be a device to justify such expenditure at the time the temporary arrangement is about to be made permanent?

I became a Scout leader to do my bit for the youth of Riccall. What is the parish council doing?

William Eastwood,

Hawthorns, Riccall, York.

Updated: 11:11 Wednesday, November 20, 2002