THE promise of surveillance cameras has not proved enough to mollify angry residents of a North Yorkshire village, who claim their lives are still being blighted by gangs of young thugs.

Extra police patrols were promised when a meeting to thrash out the issue was held in Scotton, last month.

However, people who live in the area claim teenage vandals are still causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Even the village hall has been a target recently, where windows and drainpipes have been smashed.

Residents want the culprits caught and punished, urging police to use new Anti-Social Behaviour Orders to keep the vandals under control.

However, after a meeting on Monday night, Richmond police Chief Inspector Charles Kay, said he is not convinced confrontation is the answer.

"We will use the orders if we have to but I've suggested the village looks at introducing a youth council. Not all the kids are troublemakers and, if they feel more involved, it may help reduce the problem.

"However, I accept things do need to calm down and we will be sending more foot patrols into the area as part of a similar operation we're running in Hipswell, Colburn and Catterick Village."

Insp Kay also stressed residents can play a part by reporting incidents promptly.

The meeting was told both Scotton and Hipswell are also in line for a Government grant to pay for security cameras, which would be linked to the network monitoring Catterick Garrison.

The £261,000 project is one of more than 20 on a Home Office shortlist, although it may be several weeks before cash hand-outs are confirmed.