The call has been made by a local councillor who says a block of flats near the junction of Oxcliff and Colescliffe Road has been targeted by groups of youths.

And he is also calling for police action to crackdown on youngsters riding around the area on mini motor bikes

Cllr Phil McDonald says rubbish and furniture have been dumped around the flats and although various attempts have been made to get the area cleaned up things have become worse.

He said: “Smashed windows have been boarded up, but doors have been broken into and damage to the inside electric supply to a number of flats has been done.

“I believe some of the residents still living there are not safe and I have asked Yorkshire Coast Homes to take immediate action to put these flats into a safe and proper condition.

“If CCTV could help to identify these youngsters and put a stop to the damage they are doing it should be fitted without delay.”

Cllr McDonald says gangs of youths have been crowding inside one of the entrances to the flats and he has been told some of them appeared to be taking drugs.

“Residents tell me that the youths are not concerned by police patrols and return to the flats when they have gone,” he said

“Yorkshire Coast Homes and other organisations have a duty of care not only to its own tenants, but also to the many other residents who live in the area,” he added.

Cllr McDonald says he is also concerned about the number of incidents of youngsters riding on roads around the estate on small motor bikes.

He said: “Two small boys have been riding the bike on a major bus route through the estate and on the footpath.

“We’ve been trying to get the message across to parents, that people riding these small motor bikes need insurance, appropriate clothing and proper supervision.

“More action is needed on the sale and use of these machines, before we are reading of a serious accident in Scarborough.

“The police need to catch these lads and destroy the bike before someone is killed. We are not killjoys, we are just trying to protect these lads and other residents from unnecessary harm.”