RESIDENTS in east York grilled police officers over the growing problem of youth crime in their community.

More than 60 people flocked to last night's Heworth Parish Council meeting in Hempland Junior School to air their views.

The Evening Press has reported a recent spate of drink-fuelled vandalism at Heworth - largely centred on a controversial bus shelter in Stray Road.

Youths kicked down a section of garden wall last weekend before using it to smash windows in the shelter.

Chief Inspector Kevin Doyle, responsible for east York, and community police officer Greg Morgan, fielded questions on what was being done to curb youth crime in the area. Council chairman Mick Bradley told the meeting: "Nuisance youths are causing all sorts of problems and making some of your lives a complete misery."

A resident said 20 or 30 youths regularly gathered outside her house at weekends.

"We dare not turn our lights out because there is a danger we might be vandalised," she said.

Another resident added: "The vandals know there's no police around to stop them."

Joe Lopez, of Stray Road, told the meeting: "The ultimate responsibility for these youths should come from the parents.

"It's a sociological issue - the law needs to be changed."

PC Morgan admitted the nuisance youth problem had got "much worse" in recent weeks.

"One of our main problems is the consumption of alcohol," he said.

"We've got kids coming from all over town. They are being chased from pillar to post."

Chief Insp Doyle told the meeting they planned to work closely with the new community rangers, who will begin patrolling the Heworth area from July 1.

The force also planned to use "special constables" to a greater extent in the fight against youth crime, he said.

"I'm pleased with this turnout - it shows the strength of feeling."

Updated: 16:49 Thursday, June 20, 2002