VILLAGE councillors deny they are being killjoys after suspending discos for youngsters.

A petition is circulating in Skelton, east Cleveland, in protest at a decision by Skelton and Brotton Parish Council to suspend discos in the community's civic hall until further notice.

Defending the decision, chairwoman Dorothy Hogg said the council was acting in the interests of the safety of youngsters.

The ban follows allegations of disorder at a disco organised by Skelton Youth Forum last month.

Councillor Hogg said: "We had reports from the caretaker of broken mirrors, vomit and excrement on the floor in the hall, of the older ones urinating up the walls, both outside and inside, and alleged under-age drinking.

"Parish council members are keen to support activities and events for young people in this area, and have provided a number of local organisations and schools with financial assistance.

"However, at the May disco the building was damaged, as the building has been at previous dances.

"There was anti-social behaviour and alleged underaged drinking. The council has a duty to ensure the safety of persons and property and for these reasons we feel sure that parents will agree with the action which has been taken.''

Skelton Youth Forum chairman Geoff Shaw said two mirrors were broken at earlier discos, but that they were replaced, along with a toilet seat damaged at another dance.

He said he completely refuted claims of damage and soiling of the walls and floor at the May disco.

Mr Shaw said he closed the disco early after evicting a group of older teenagers which he caught drinking in the toilets.

Members of the forum, which has organised 24 discos since 1998, have been invited to the next council meeting.

Councillors will ask them what qualifications they have to organise and manage discos, if they have passed police vetting procedures, and whether they meet ratio requirements when it comes to supervising the events.

Mr Shaw said: "I think it is ridiculous that after 24 discos they come up with these three pointers now, making a mountain out of a molehill.

"They know we are all volunteers and cannot afford to go after these qualifications."

He said he and fellow volunteers had been given police clearance to supervise the discos.