RESIDENTS in west York have reacted with outrage at the circulation of a leaflet telling them to "stop moaning" about young thugs and treat them with "respect".

The anonymous poster, which is signed by "someone trying to give the kids a voice", has been put up outside shops off Green Lane, Acomb, in an area which has been a magnet for gangs of nuisance teenagers in recent months.

The Evening Press reported last week that five youths had been arrested in connection with a wave of bad behaviour in the area and police patrols were being stepped up.

Green Lane resident Rolf Watson, 34, was left bleeding after being punched by a teenager. He had remonstrated with 20 youths after one of them scratched his car with a bike.

But the leaflet calls on residents to be sympathetic to the youths' plight. It says: "Apparently terrorists are operating in this area. Do you agree? Are you one of the people quoted in the press: Yes?

"Then shake your head, find a quiet corner and give yourself a good talking to. These young people need our help and encouragement. But no, we just judge and condemn.

"Try talking to them with respect and you might find what you can do to help.

"To gain respect you must first show it and with today's teens you must also earn it. Your actions are turning the monster we created (the youth of today) into an unimaginable evil.

"But if you can't be bothered to commit any time, money or ideas then quite simply - stop the moaning and leave it to people who do!"

Mr Watson, who said things had calmed down somewhat since the arrests, said the youths did not deserve respect.

"Their parents don't even respect them," he said.

"They're the ones who should be sorting them out."

Paul Harris, landlord of the Acomb pub, in Kingsway West, called on the "do-gooder" who wrote the leaflet to set up a group to get the youths off the streets.

"How can residents give them respect when all they do is beat them up?" he said.

"These kids just don't get any discipline at home.

"If whoever wrote this feels so strongly, why are they anonymous? It does my head in."

Did you write the leaflet or do you know who did? If so, contact reporter Matthew Woodcock on 01904 653051 ext 305 or email matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:44 Monday, June 28, 2004