YOUNGSTERS abusing Ings School's generous offer to allow them to play in the school grounds out of hours have been warned that their actions could spoil the fun for everyone.

The school on Broughton Road, Skipton, has a policy in place to allow children into the grounds during evenings and weekends but only if they play in the area in front of the building in full view of the main road.

This policy was drawn up to ensure youngsters had a safe place to kick a ball around.

However, recently some youths have been disregarding the rules making their way round the side and the back of the premises and climbing on to the roof of an extension.

They have broken tiles and guttering, and been seen skateboarding on the roof.

Governor and local councillor Paul English said: "We are asking them to stop or action will be taken."

He said threats had already been mooted to remove the privilege altogether and stop all children playing in the grounds out of school hours.

He added that if this drastic step were taken it could jeopardise hopes for the new multi-purpose play area which is planned for the school grounds.

A letter has gone out to all Broughton Road residents from headteacher Helen Sturges.

It states: "We are aware of the increasing problem of people coming onto the school site in the evenings and at weekends. There has, in fact, been damage to school and county council property recently.

"We very much appreciate the vigilance and good citizenship of those of you who contact the police when you notice any anti-social or dangerous behaviour on site.

"Thank you for helping the police by reporting these intruders."

The school has sought advice from the police and been told that if the policy allowing youths into the school grounds were changed anyone then found misbehaving on the premises would be guilty of "causing nuisance or disturbance on educational premises."

The police spokesman said that action could then be taken against the youths.