Cub Scouts in Addingham have launched a war of words against youths blamed for vandalising their meeting place.

They have drawn a series of posters warning people not to damage their hut accompanied by the message: "These posters have been made by the cubs. If you are able to read them - don't ignore them".

The move comes after windows were broken, doors daubed with graffiti and cigarette ends pushed through doors, threatening to start a blaze.

Youngsters from outside the area have been blamed for the attacks, but Akela Marilyn Doherty revealed there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Local youths, fed-up with being in the frame for the vandalism, have cleaned up the hut and painted over the graffiti.

And she added: "Another youth has come to me and said he will pay for the window which he accidentally broke. I am hoping things will now start to improve."

Some of the youngsters blamed for the vandalism and other problems round the village answered their critics when they attended the annual parish meeting.

They listened to parish council chairman Stephen Crossley-Smith express 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 was welcomed by the youngsters.

After the meeting, Councillor Gordon Campbell said: "We will set things up to get them started in the pavilion, but there will be some conditions. There will be no alcohol and they must respect the surroundings and the people who live nearby."

The meeting also heard from villagers, concerned at an apparent lack of policing in the village.

Parish councillors have agreed to send a resolution to Home Secretary Jack Straw, Ilkley MP Ann Cryer and the police authority expressing their concerns.

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