A VICAR and volunteer groups in Guisborough have called for action over the continuing deterioration of St Nicholas' churchyard in the town.

Over the last ten years, it has become a target for vandals who have smashed some gravestones and scrawled graffiti on others.

The area is strewn with litter, including bottles and cans, and used syringes have been found.

A meeting was called recently by the vicar, the Rev Phillip Bishop, with representatives from the Civic Society, Gisborough Estates, Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough Market Town Initiative and Gisborough Priory Project, as well as Redcar and Cleveland Council and the police.

Mr Bishop said: "A number of problems were identified. These included the destruction of monuments, litter and unauthorised access from the churchyard in to the adjacent priory grounds.

"It was agreed that the current situation will be monitored over the next month in order to build up a full picture. The provision of more litter bins, a fence and volunteer involvement will be investigated."

Judith Arber, from the Gisborough Priory Project, said: "The churchyard is on a well-used route, being so close to Prior Pursglove College and Laurence Jackson School, and a lot of people are concerned about its condition.

"We want people to be able to come and sit on the grass and enjoy it as an open space."

As a public open space, responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard lies with Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Ged Demoily, community leisure manager, said: "We are planning to do some work on clearing the site, in conjunction with the church, in an effort to open the views into it.

"We are also planning a litter-pick and working with the church to look into the possibilities of how we can re-erect some of the fencing that was taken down in the Second World War as part of the war effort.

"We've got great sympathy with the church and we are doing all we can to tackle a difficult problem.

"We are working with a number of partners, including Laurence Jackson School and Prior Pursglove College and ward members, in an effort to try and address some of the issues."

The public will have an opportunity to put forward views about the churchyard at Guisborough Heritage Day, on Saturday, April 17, when a display will be available in the church.

A further meeting to discuss all the proposals is planned for some time in May.