A CURFEW is to be imposed on a vandal-hit play area in a bid to stem the tide of attacks.

The play area at Sowerby, near Thirsk, reopened after a £78,000 refit last month.

But youths soon damaged a table in a £6,000 youth shelter and left smashed glass on the ground.

Members of Sowerby Parish Council, which owns the play area near the town centre, regularly have to clean up at the site.

As a result, they say they have been forced to take drastic action.

Councillor Mark Robson, leader of the council, said: "We are to remove the youth shelter where they set fire to the table.

"We plan to remove it as we think it's causing a problem and may put it back at a later date.

"The council is also preparing a by-law to bring in a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the play area.

"It will take 28 days to arrange, but it will let the police remove anyone there between dusk and dawn.

"It's a shame, as 99 per cent of the kids who use it are okay.

"Parents have written to us saying the play area is good, but some have also written concerned about the problems.

"There's a small group of idiots who use it and they are abusive and swear and drink into the early hours."

It is thought the problems are being caused by a gang of about 20 youths.

Coun Robson said he hopes the curfew will halt the problem, but he has pledged to get even tougher if the damage continues.

"This is the first step and if it doesn't work, then we will have to look at other options," he said.

"These could include putting a security fence up and a gate which can be locked to keep people out."

The play area is covered by CCTV and the footage is to be viewed to identify offenders. Attempts will then be made to prosecute the vandals.

Thirsk Police have agreed to help monitor the play area.