TEENAGE vandals are ruling the streets of a York village, according to a terrified resident.

She says groups of up to 20 youths are reportedly roaming the streets of New Earswick, destroying bus shelters and telephone boxes - and are now turning their attention to residents' cars.

Jan Taylor, of Haxby Road, said: "The telephone box near my house has been wrecked then repaired more times than I can remember, but I think they have just about given up replacing the glass on the bus stop opposite, it has stood empty for a long while now.

"Now they are destroying everything though, they ripped the windscreen wipers off my car, then did it again within just a few weeks.

"If I go out, I don't dare leave my car at home for what might happen to it, and feel like I need to sit and watch it all the time just to keep it safe from these vandals."

Mrs Taylor said gangs of youths aged between 14 to 17 are regularly seen on the streets drinking alcohol and causing a nuisance.

"But the police don't do anything, they just say their hands are tied. Now I don't know just how many laws these kids are breaking, but I know if I was drunk in the street like they are I would get arrested, it is just not right. Anyway, I have had enough of it now, we all have round here.

"Some residents are living in fear, but more and more just wish they would all be given a good hiding, I mean, what can their parents be doing to let them behave like this? I really wish they would just wake up and sort it out."

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of the York Community Policing Team, said officers were aware of the issues raised by Mrs Taylor.

"The ward manager has arranged to meet her to discuss her concerns," Sgt Stubbs said.

Ward manager is the new term for community police officer. The ward manager for New Earswick is PC Paul Beckwith.

Local councillor Keith Hyman urged any residents spotting problems to contact the Mayfair security group, which patrols the area.

He said: "They will attend as soon as they can. If it is an issue of criminal damage then get in touch with the police. We are very aware of the problems and as ward councillors are happy to discuss them with residents."

Roland Crooke, Joseph Rowntree Foundation director of housing operations, said: "We are aware of problems with young people in some areas, but feel that the picture in New Earswick is no worse and is probably a lot better than in other parts of York.

"We have good security with the closed circuit community cameras and new community policing.

"We really feel there are a lot of positive things to be said for the area, with young people working together to bring us forward."

Updated: 12:09 Wednesday, May 28, 2003