CRITICS have hit out at claims that Thirsk is a drink and drugs den, attracting youngsters in the region.

The police have refuted a resident's claims that gangs of youths were causing havoc in the town.

Barry Ogleby said many residents were intimidated by the gangs, who had a drink and drugs culture.

The force said Thirsk does have a youth problem, but it is no worse than many other areas.

PC Duncan Pears said: "The police don't think Thirsk is a drink and drugs den. I don't think there is a major youth problem in Thirsk and it's the same as you get everywhere.

"The biggest problem we have is the older youths buying drink and giving it to the young ones. But we have been round all the supermarkets and shops and they are helping us to fight it."

Thirsk Town Council suggested a drinking ban on the streets but the police felt it would just move the problem around.

But Mr Ogleby said: "There is a problem in the town of youths drinking and taking drugs. There are empty cans and bottles and all sorts of stuff left lying around and the police aren't doing enough.

"I'm not blaming the police as they have lots of paperwork but it's frustrating for them.

"But we rarely see them walking around town and we are living in an increasingly lawless society."