ANGRY residents of a Harrogate suburb are demanding police action to stop gangs of teenagers drinking, taking drugs and causing vandalism.

People living close to a playing field at the end of Charles Avenue, Bilton, have met local councillors and police to try to end their Friday night terror.

They say up to 50 young people, of both sexes, aged between 12 and 18 set up tents on the grass and hold alfresco parties.

Residents say that Friday is the worst night, but young people from across Harrogate also use the field on Saturday.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "They come with bottles of beer, wines and spirits, and when they are empty there is smashed glass all round.

"We have found evidence of drug taking and we want it stamping out before the long summer nights, or it will get worse."

Local councillor Morris Lightfoot, who is backing the residents' fight, said: "This has been going on for months.

"I have had complaints at all hours up to 4.30am. It is obviously organised, they use mobile phones and come in groups bringing tents."

She said incidents included a stolen motorcycle being torched, house windows smashed and cars damaged.

Now residents have shot video footage of one of the parties which has been handed to the police.

Head of Harrogate police, Chief Inspector Les Potter, said extra patrols would be in the area on Friday and Saturday nights and local shops with drinks licences would be visited.