POLICE are cracking down on anti-social behaviour in Great Ayton following a spate of trouble in recent weeks.

Sgt Sarah Sanderson from Stokesley police issued a warning to troublemakers, saying: "Be warned. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in this village. If someone chooses to be unruly, then they will be arrested."

Her stance at the meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council on Tuesday was welcomed by councillors who had been concerned about recent incidents of vandalism and fighting, which left two girls injured and five shops damaged.

Sgt Sanderson said police had patrolled the village on Saturday nights for the past two weeks and attended a problem-solving meeting last Friday to discuss the concerns of villagers and councillors.

Coun Ron Kirk said he was pleased to hear that the police were tackling the problem.

"It is very reassuring to know that the police are getting active against anti-social behaviour," he said. "It is one of those problems that causes untold aggravation and suffering for the victims."

Chairman Coun Len Groves agreed, saying: "We will give the police every support that we can."

Sgt Sanderson said the support of the community helped police efforts, and the force had been encouraged by the interest shown at the recent problem-solving meeting.

The meeting had been held to give shopkeepers and residents affected by the recent trouble a chance to discuss concerns and solutions with members of the parish and district councils and the police.

Coun John Fletcher said the meeting had been beneficial.

"It was very useful to have everyone together to talk about the problems," said Coun Fletcher. "CCTV was considered as one of the possibilities, along with other measures to make the village safer. What became clear was that tackling the problems needs to be both a police and a community effort."

A follow-up meeting has been planned for next month.

Richard Thompson, whose shop, Thompson's Hardware, has been hit four times by vandals, has been campaigning for CCTV in the village. He said the meeting had helped clear the air.

"It was certainly a good idea to meet and talk about things," said Mr Thompson. "We had a chance to put our points forward and I'm pleased with the response we got.

"Nothing was decided but the police and councils heard what we had to say so we'll just have to wait and see."