A police force has hit back at claims that it is failing to tackle an anti-social behaviour problem.

Thirsk police have been criticised for failing to tackle a long- running difficulty with youths in the area.

Local residents say gangs of youths run amok in the town drinking underage, and are abusive and a nuisance.

Residents have been quick to claim the force needs extra officers on the beat to deal with the problem.

But Inspector Sarah Sanderson, the district commander for Thirsk, said the force is fighting back.

She said: "It is important for the people to know that we are doing our very best to address the issue of anti-social behaviour.

"With the time and resources that have been put into place, we are confident we can nip this problem in the bud.

"I also urge members of the public who receive abuse from youths, or encounter other problems, to make sure they contact the police, so we can take decisive action."

An ongoing police operation has both plain clothes and regular officers patrolling the town to target the known youth troublemakers.

The police have had some success, with a large quantity of alcohol taken off underage youths.

And one adult has been fined £80 after police officers caught him buying alcohol for underage drinkers.

The operation has also seen one youth put on an anti-social behaviour contract and two others arrested.

North Yorkshire county councillor Gareth Dadd has recently met with the police to try to resolve the issue.

He said: "Thirsk is a small town with a minority of youths who wish to disrupt things for others. I am sure we will win this battle.

"I appeal to all residents and businesses in Thirsk to work with the police and the problem- solving groups on this."

But resident Barry Ogleby, of St James Green, said: "I have not seen any increase in the number of police officers.

"The biggest problem is knowing how to nip this in the bud as the kids don't seem to give a damn."

Residents can contact the Thirsk Neighbourhood Policing Team to report problems on 0845-60-60-247.