YOUNG thugs were blamed for trying to disrupt a meeting to discuss ridding a Richmondshire village of nuisance and vandalism.

About 70 people gathered at Scotton village hall, Catterick Garrison, to discuss the problem of youngsters, some as young as ten, said to run riot in the community.

The villagers arrived at the hall on Monday to find a wall of snow piled against the entrance.

Coun Pat Middlemiss, ward member on Richmondshire District Council, said: "I have lived here all my life and I was aware there was a problem, but I had no idea how bad it had become until I saw how packed the hall was. Feelings are running deep enough for some people to suggest a curfew."

That idea was ruled out as too difficult to enforce and the village pledged to strengthen its neighbourhood watch network to ensure as many incidents as possible were reported to the police.

"What is sickening is that those responsible target the vulnerable, like the elderly. It is a small community and they sometimes know who is away, so empty houses also become targets," said Coun Middlemiss.

Insp Charles Kay, of Richmond police, said: "Our priority recently has been a drive to cut burglary, car crime and criminal damage. However the new service plan, which begins in April, will include a commitment to focus on the issue of juvenile behaviour.

"Our research shows there have been few formal complaints so I would encourage people to report incidents to us and, if they know who was responsible, to tell us."

Insp Kay said a police representative would attend the Scotton parish annual assembly on March 26 to listen to residents' concerns.