AN HISTORIC war memorial to the dead of the Boer War stands proudly near York Minster and opposite the plush surroundings of the Dean Court Hotel.

But each evening it becomes a hang out for gangs of drunken yobs who have covered it in racist graffiti, left rubbish and bottles, made frisbees out of poppy wreaths, and even urinated against the monument.

The callous youths are also causing noise late into the night and disturbing guests at the hotel as well as residents of nearby flats.

Caroline Fannon, assistant manager of the Dean Court Hotel, said: "It is an absolute nuisance and so disrespectful to a war memorial. They are climbing all over it and throwing the wreaths around like frisbees. Our guests have complained about it so many times - those in our restaurant, which looks right out on it, and those staying here, because the noise is so loud at night-time."

Each evening from about 5pm, 30 to 40 teenagers are said to gather at the war memorial, drink alcohol and ride about on their skateboards.

Graffiti daubed on the memorial includes anti-European slogans.

One resident, David Evans, 64, said: "It is very nasty graffiti saying things against other nations. The war memorial is covered with old bottles and the whole area is being used as a public toilet. The garden around it is in a very bad state.

"It is a national listed monument as well as a war memorial - and it is not as if it is tucked away. It is right near the Minster. Tourists come in the day to take photographs of it. What kind of impression are we giving them of how we treat our monuments?"

Police have told the hotel to call every time there is a problem at the memorial so officers can drive by to disperse troublemakers.

But Ms Fannon said the youths kept coming back.

Darrell Buttery, chairman of York Civic Trust, said: "I am very disturbed by it. I worship at the Minster and go to concerts there and it is unpleasant to come out at night and hear the sound of breaking bottles and swearing."

Colin Northridge, of the York branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "I feel disappointed the younger generation are not paying homage to people who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country."