PEOPLE living near a well-known beauty spot have called for action to stop the "wanton destruction" of the area by unwanted visitors.

Cod Beck Reservoir and Scarthwood Moor, near Osmotherley, are visited by thousands of walkers and countryside lovers every year.

But parish councillors said the area also attracts a minority of people who camp illegally, light fires, cut down trees and leave a large amount of litter and broken glass. Faeces and syringes have also been found.

Most of the illegal activities take place within the walled area around the reservoir owned by Yorkshire Water, which makes it difficult for police to respond to reports.

Officers have been made aware of the problems by residents, but are unable to take full enforcement action unless the complaint was made by Yorkshire Water as the landowner.

Now, parish councillors have appealed to the company to take a stronger stance against the unwanted visitors.

In a letter to the chief executive, parish councillors said: "The council and residents want to see an immediate end to the wanton destruction and intimidating behaviour of these unwanted visitors. Volunteers have, in the past, organised litter sweeps of the area, but patience is wearing thin and although the other landowners fully co-operate with the community, there appears to be complete disregard from Yorkshire Water."

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water asked residents to report incidents to the company promptly so complaints could be made to the police.

"Yorkshire Water is aware of the problems caused by anti-social behaviour and has been playing an active role in a partnership with the police, the National Trust and the North York Moors National Park in an effort to stamp it out," he said.

"Yorkshire Water is concerned to hear reports of intimidating behaviour and vandalism in the area and will be speaking with North Yorkshire Police to establish what more can be done to deal with the problem."

The spokesman said they had laid logs around the edges of car parks to stop drivers us-ing the grassed areas and had supported setting up an alcohol-restricted area, which gave police more powers to deal with irresponsible drinkers.