Drunken thugs misery for village pensioners

Sue Robinson, a Skelton parish councillor, said dozens of pensioners living in community housing bungalows in Rawcliffe Court, off Brecksfield, were afraid to come out of their homes.

She said gangs of up to 20 teenagers gathered at a bench outside the Ryedale Housing Association block for hours at a time to shout abuse at residents and vandalise property.

Coun Robinson said the trouble had included:

Drunken youths swearing at residents

Bikes thrown at the doors of residents

Paintball pellets being shot at doorways

Mini-motorbikes being skidded over picturesque green areas in the village.

"They are an absolute nuisance," Coun Robinson said.

"One elderly resident told me recently that a lemonade bottle was thrown at her door. She said it sounded like a bomb going off.

"These thugs target the old people because they can't fight back.

"With the darker nights coming it's going to get a lot worse."

Coun Robinson said the housing association had canvassed the local community to ask them to get in touch about their complaints. The bench where the youths gather is also being moved elsewhere in an effort to deter the gang.

"We're trying to get it sorted out," she said.

"The police say that unless they catch them at it, they can't prove anything.

"I realise they can't be here every five minutes but they should be doing more."

PC Paul Beckwith, of the York neighbourhood policing team, said: "PC Steve Shaw, who is the neighbourhood police officer for the Skelton area, is aware of the ongoing issues and will be looking to work closely with our partners to bring recent events to a satisfactory conclusion.

"I would urge anyone living or working locally to report any incidents as soon as possible. Descriptions of anyone involved would be of great use."

Coun Robinson said a bonfire was planned in the village on Saturday, November 5. It takes place on the football field at 6pm.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, October 28, 2005