COMMUNITY wardens could soon be patrolling a town plagued by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage over the summer.

Northallerton's authorities have run out of patience with the youths responsible and a meeting has resolved to tackle the problem head-on.

Police have pledged high-profile patrols for the worst-hit areas, on top of projects already launched to cut crime in the district.

The town's youth action group will also try to tempt young people away from destructive behaviour.

Those who are found to be responsible for criminal damage or violent behaviour could face anti-social behaviour orders and the parents of children caught committing more minor offences will also be informed of what their sons and daughters have been up to.

Mayor Jack Dobson said: "We must try to minimise this problem. The agencies need to work together with the public on a strategy for dealing with this; it has been successful in other areas."

And the possibility of community wardens has not been ruled out.

Chief Inspector Tim Madgwick is to visit parts of Leeds where similar projects have already been launched and it is thought funding may be available from Europe.

"This has to be a priority," said Coun Dobson. "The action we are initiating will yield results."

Much of the damage reported so far has been around the town's Applegarth, Bullamoor Park, the play area on Bankhead Road and the High Street itself.

Most of the culprits are aged between 14 and 21 - although some of the older youths have also been using roads and car parks as race tracks for their cars.

Schools and other local authority staff are also to be invited to contribute to the solutions.

"We have all learned a lot from each other already and we must start work straight away," added Coun Dobson. "I will be going for this big time."