CUB Scouts in Addingham have sent a clear message to rowdy youths who allegedly damaged their meeting place.

They have drawn a series of posters warning people not to damage their hut and leave them in peace.

Their plea comes after windows in the hut were broken and graffiti appeared on the doors.

Alongside the many posters displayed appears the message: "These posters have been made by the cubs. If you are able to read them - don't ignore them".

Akela Marilyn Doherty told the Herald that some of the youngters had helped clean up the hut and painted over the graffiti.

"Another youth has come to me and said he will pay for the window which he accidentally broke.

"I am hoping things will start to improve," she added.

Some of the youngsters who have been blamed for the vandalism and other nuisances around the village answered their critics when they attended the annual parish meeting to put their point across.

They listened as parish council chairman Stephen Crossley-Smith expressed his regret about the time and money spent on repairs around the Memorial Hall where many of them congregate.

But he said he was pleased they had answered the council's call to talk about the problems.

Speaking on behalf of the youngsters, Kirsty Allott said not all the problems could be blamed on them and all they wanted was somewhere to meet.

The parish council said it would be prepared to provide evening facilities at a nearby football pavilion, which met with approval from the youngsters.

After the meeting, Coun Gordon Campbell told the Herald: "We will set things up to get them started in the pavilion, but there will be some provisions.

"There will be no alcohol and they must respect the surroundings and the people who live nearby," added Mr Campbell.

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