Town targets 'unruly youths'

Young people in Bridlington have been targeted by authorities trying to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the town.

The move comes after East Riding councillors received complaints of youths behaving badly in the Old Town area.

Local people reported people throwing eggs, urinating in bus shelters, stealing from shops, damaging gravestones and harassing residents.

Parents and the young people concerned have now been signed up to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to try to stamp out the problem.

It is the first time the contracts - which prohibit behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others - have been used in Bridlington.

Residents' misery

The council says youths could face prosecution in court if the contracts are breached.

Anti-social behaviour officer Nigel Brignall said it was important the council acted quickly with police to take action against the culprits.

He added: "This type of behaviour can be very distressing for both young and older people in the area."

Inspector Mark Summer, from the Bridlington Local Policing Team, said: "While most children are well-behaved, there have been some children whose thoughtless and disruptive behaviour has caused misery to residents.

"By dealing firmly with bad behaviour and getting parents on board, we can hopefully find a solution to the problems."