A GANG of young tearaways brought to the attention of the Gazette last week has been causing distress to residents elsewhere in Ilkley, it has been revealed.

Yobs said to be as young as ten were last week claimed to be terrorising people in Dean Street, off Leeds Road. Now other people have come forward to say they are making residents' lives a misery further afield.

Another resident, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, contacted the Gazette this week claiming the anti-social behaviour has been going on for years.

And friends elsewhere in town have confirmed they have been the victims or know the victims of anti-social behaviour, vandalism or harassment from what is believed to be the same group of youths.

Most reports of incidents involving the gang have come from a wide area to the east of Ilkley town centre, and the problem has been going on for up to four years, it has been claimed.

The catalogue of accusations against the youths now includes foul language, racist abuse, vandalism, noise, urinating in the street, pelting windows with snowballs and other objects, letting down tyres and creating a disturbance.

The latest resident to complain said: "They've been operating for a long time. Every single person I spoke to down the road has had trouble with them. I could imagine that they would frighten the elderly and other children." The resident had considered moving house at one point, simply because of the problem.

It has been claimed that some parents are afraid to let their children play out. Although residents are aware the police are looking into the problem, they fear this is not proving to be sufficient deterrent for the young trouble-makers.

Police told the Gazette last week that local officer, PC Mark Newton, was looking into the issue, and that a police youth offending specialist team was looking at using anti-social behaviour legislation.

Residents were urged to continue to report anti-social and criminal behaviour to the police.

Bradford Council youth worker, Kim Poole, who is based at the Warehouse youth club, on Little Lane, also said she would be happy to taking to any residents who have issues with young people in the area.

Youth workers work with police in a bid to reduce problems, as well as providing activities for young people. She can be contacted on (07795) 812413.