A SPATE of anti-social behaviour which led to a dispersal order being placed on a Pickering car park has been described as unacceptable.

The incidents, which took place in late August and early September, included damage to a picnic table, stonework smashed off a wall and an assault.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire police said: “There have been a number of complaints regarding anti-social behaviour in the Ropery car park in Pickering.

“These include criminal damage to a wall and a bench and a serious assault - a man was hit on the head with a bottle. A 17-year-old man received a youth conditional caution.”

They added that a dispersal order was put in place in the area for a night in September.

Helene Haythorne, mayor of Pickering and town councillor, said: “Pickering Town Council is fully aware of the anti-social behaviour that has been demonstrated recently by a very small minority of teenagers living within Pickering.

“We are liaising with our community policing team regarding this. This type of behaviour is not acceptable and every effort will be taken to keep this to a minimum.”

A police spokesman added: “Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or who has any information is asked to phone police on 101, press one and speak to the force control room.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555 111.”