TWO North Yorkshire communities are considering taking a tougher line with young thugs blamed for late-night brawls and dangerous driving.

Harrogate's genteel image has been tarnished lately by a growing number of complaints about anti-social behaviour after dark.

Police and licensees have linked up to combat problems caused by town centre revellers who have simply had too much to drink.

However, "boy racers" have been annoying people who live in other areas of the town.

It is understood they use mobile phones to arrange to meet in council car parks and then use the space for driving stunts.

Even those who do not take part play loud music on car stereos, keeping nearby residents awake at night.

Harrogate Borough Council leader Geoff Webber has acknowledged the authority needs to consider its options.

Closing the car parks after dark or placing bollards around them are among the possible solutions.

Councillor Webber said: "This is a serious problem which not only causes considerable disturbance but could also result in serious injury."

Meanwhile, patience is also wearing thin across the county in Pocklington, Ryedale, where police have agreed to target parts of the town plagued by late-night rowdiness.

Three incidents were reported on Saturday; a shop window worth £500 was smashed during one fight and a man needed hospital treatment for facial injuries after another.

Publican at the town's Bay Horse, Susan McLaren, described the evening as the worst she could remember.

"I think the Pub Watch scheme should come to the fore and we should work with the police. When people are getting hurt, I think we have to toughen up."

Malton police sergeant Cliff Edens said: "We are looking into the circumstances and there is going to be a fair bit of work done with the CCTV cameras."

"We cannot tolerate this sort of behaviour. We have to look at the bigger picture and maybe try to reduce incidents of drunkeness."