TEENAGE vandals have been causing havoc at schools in Aireborough. Skateboarding on roofs, drinking in playgrounds and generally making a nuisance of themselves.

Guiseley Infant and Nursery School thought it had solved the problem two years ago by putting up a fence, but in recent weeks the vandals have returned with a vengeance.

Now, gangs of teenagers have been seen climbing on a Perspex roof and there are real fears that they could fall through and cause themselves serious injury.

Residents and school staff who have tried to chase the youths off, have been met with abuse.

The police have very little power to put a stop to it, the schools are private property and the intruders are juveniles - so it falls to the parents to take responsibility.

There have been incidents of destruction and vandalism against schools and public buildings in recent decades, but incidents appear to have taken a worrying turn for the worse.

Parents need to take more responsibility. It is no good just pushing children out of the door in the evenings with no concern about what they are up to or where they are going.

We all have a responsibility in our communities, let us hope that those who can have an influence on this situation act and put a stop to it now.

Project with a purpose

Space to Grow in Otley has developed from a group of residents concerned about finding a place for young people to skateboard to a responsible group with its own project worker.

Organised outings to Otley Chevin now take place with the emphasis on mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and nature work.

It is a fantastic project which should be supported if only for the work it does to drag teenagers away from their computers and out into the countryside.