PATIENCE is wearing thin in a North Yorkshire community after young vandals went on the rampage, leaving a trail of destruction through the village.

Scotton villagers have already met twice to discuss methods of tackling the tearaways, who have been making life in the area a misery.

Even though there have been attempts to build bridges with the teenagers responsible, they were back on the streets during the weekend.

In one night, eggs were thrown at windows, plant pots were smashed in the road, and garden statues and an ornamental wall were pushed over.

The windows at the village hall were smashed, and the parish notice board ripped from its mountings.

A portable toilet left at a work site by the council was overturned and left to drain upside down.

"It's getting to the stage were people are threatening to take things into their own hands,'' said parish councillor Ken Lambert.

"Most of us know who is responsible, but they seem to think they can get away with it."

Parish clerk Chris Watson said that the village wanted to see the police use Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, imposing curfews and strict controls on the movements of the worst offenders.

"Some people are now scared to go out in the evening, while there is also the risk that someone could be seriously injured.

"Using the orders on the ringleaders could help nip it all in the bud," he said.

However, local police Sergeant Andrew Nursey said that more information would help police to tackle the problem.

He said: "We sympathise with the residents and we are actively investigating what happened.

"Officers dealing with the case would welcome hearing from anyone who may be able to help us track down whoever was responsible."

He said that although they should not be ruled out, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders were designed to deal with hardened young criminals rather than vandals.

He said villagers would have an opportunity to voice their views next week. Police and community leaders meet on Thursday, July 5, to discuss their strategy in light of the latest outbreak of vandalism.