Householders say they are too scared to appear in a video aimed at making their home town a better place to live.

Residents of Norton, near Malton, fear reprisals from local vandals if they go on the record with their views.

Film-makers have been forced to offer residents anonymity by screening their faces from view and distorting their voices in an effort to persuade them to take part.

The project, being run by Ryedale youth workers, would involve householders being interviewed by local youngsters about problems in their area.

It is intended to give people a say on local issues, with the finished video being given to councillors in a bid to influence the decisions they make about local spending.

The Evening Press recently highlighted problems in Dean Road, in Norton, where residents had felt threatened by noisy youths gathering near the King George Playing Fields, drinking and playing loud music until the early hours of the morning.

One Dean Road resident, who does not want to be named because she fears reprisals, said many residents were uncomfortable with talking about local problems on camera.

"We are questioning why this project is taking place. Many residents have been victims of intimidation and vandalism," she said.

She added that people were reluctant to talk in case those responsible found out who had been complaining about them and decided to hit back.

Paula Greer Taylor, who is co-ordinating the project, admitted finding residents to take part was proving a problem.

"A number of residents have said they don't want their identities revealed," she said.

"We have set up a meeting with some residents next week and we have offered them a cloak of anonymity.

"Their voices will be disguised during the interview and their faces will not be shown."

She said the intention was to highlight positive subjects besides Norton's problems.

Community officer Terry Triffitt, who is helping to run the project said residents did not have to take part if they did not want to.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, January 23, 2001