RESIDENTS of Holgate Park in York say they are still being menaced by gangs of youths in the new Sidings play area.

Last week the Evening Press reported that the new facility, opened only three weeks ago, had been vandalised by older teenagers.

More local people have now responded angrily to council claims that efforts are being made to make the Sidings scheme work.

One resident, who has a disabled daughter, said that her young children were scared to go to the park. She said: "The neighbourhood we once lived in is no longer the same."

Margaret Stimpson, 46, who moved into a house overlooking the park entrance ten weeks ago, said she was considering leaving because of the trouble.

"It's really got out of hand and is getting quite nerve-racking," she said.

Robert Fairweather, who is 74, said he had received verbal abuse from the youths.

"I tried to stop the teenagers pulling plants out and they called me an old faggot," he said.

City of York Council has begun to replace the plants which were damaged, but Mr Fairweather claimed that it was a waste of money, as the youths were still coming to the park. He said they climb over the fence after the gates are shut, to drink and smoke.

Council principal development officer Derek Gauld agreed that the fence needs to be looked at. He said that the council and the scheme's architect, Judith Ward, were following developments closely.

"We don't just put something up and then walk away," Mr Gauld said.

"We're very keen to get some of the teenagers in to hear the complaints from people."

He added that he has been talking to the youths and that they have suggested ways to help solve the problems. Mr Gauld was optimistic that the tensions between the teenagers and local residents can be resolved.

Updated: 09:49 Friday, April 18, 2003