RAMPAGING youths left a trail of damage in the centre of Guiseley at the weekend following a drinking session.

The young hooligans, who were seen to arrive in cars, gathered at the War Memorial in Town Gate, where they threw poppy wreaths about, damaged a stone wall, damaged new seats, broke branches from spruce trees, left lager cans, smashed bottles and rubbish near to the War Memorial and the ancient stocks and cross. Two residents had flour thrown over their cars.

Some elderly residents living in the nearby Frank Parkinson Homes and Lands Lane said they had been fearful for their property and Leeds City Council have had the seats removed for the winter.

Pensioner Joan Jacques of Lands Lane, Guiseley, said the youngsters were a nuisance. "I have no objection to them gathering in Town Gate as long as they do not cause damage and leave rubbish about. They have been coming to Town Gate for quite some time. They arrive in cars and make a mess. My sister often goes out and clears away the rubbish and broken glass after they have left," she said.

Helen Scollick, who lives with her sister Miss Jacques, said: "I have spoken to the youths and asked them not to break bottles. If they just sat on the seats and talked that would not be so bad but when they have been drinking they then start to misbehave."

Coun Moira Dunn (Lab, Aireborough), said she and her husband Coun Mike Dunn had had complaints from a number of elderly people about the damage to the seats in Town Gate. "The seats have been taken away for repair and will be returned in the spring." she said.

Coun Dunn said she was appalled at what the hooligans had done to the poppy wreaths. "This is a mark of great disrespect for people who have fought for this

country. I just don't understand the mentality of these kids,," she said.

Coun Dunn said she was sorry the seats had had to be taken away. "We don't like having to take the seats away because they are well used but we have had to do so because they have been damaged and are used by the hooligans."

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