Police are promising to take action against offenders committing minor but nuisance offences in Skipton and the surrounding villages.

A concerted effort to catch and bring before a court petty offenders stealing milk and vandalising property will be made.

Parish councillor Jean Harrison, of Marton Road, Gargrave, has spoken out about the frequent acts of vandalism in Gargrave.

Last autumn, members of Gargrave Parish Council, residents and children from Gargrave Primary School, took part in a community effort to plant daffodil bulbs donated by the parish council and the Twin Locks Garden Centre.

These bulbs were planted along the grass verges of the A65, the churchyard and the riverbanks. However, on St Patrick's night, vandals smashed clumps of the bulbs, which were just flowering along the riverside off South Street.

Coun Harrison added that serious acts such as car crime and theft were also on the increase in the village. "Until we have a police presence in Gargrave, I fear we shall lose the battle."

Acting Insp Stuart Mackleston told Coun Harrison, at a meeting of North Yorkshire Police Authority, that action would be taken as part of a police operation to target people causing disturbances in the evenings. Extra staff would be provided to patrol the area.

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