AN early morning blaze that destroyed part of a leisure centre complex yesterday was started deliberately, investigators said.

The arson attack on a disused ski pavilion at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Willington, followed long spells of vandalism and nuisance behaviour at the centre.

Now councillors will decide the fate of the wood-clad building which was once a busy base for skiers and snowboarders.

It closed in April 1991 as part of £300,000 cutbacks at the 20-year-old Spectrum centre, and had recently been used as a store.

Fire and police experts who spent yesterday exploring the shell of the pavilion said the blaze started in the roof and spread downwards.

Emergency services were called soon after midnight when a security alarm went off.

Debris fell on to a five-a-side pitch, but that will be reopened as soon as possible. An adjacent bowling green escaped damage.

PC Steve Barker, of Crook police, said: "There have been calls almost daily to the centre, particularly after new houses were built in the area.

"Part of the problem is that the site is closed most of the time since opening hours were cut."

Ian Thompson, head of service contracts at Wear Valley District Council, said: "There are a number of young people hanging around and generally misbehaving. They swear at customers and have pulled roof tiles off the pavilion.

"Our insurance people have examined the building and will be presenting a report. After that it is up to councillors to decide what to do.

"Fortunately, the building was empty when the fire started.

"All the ski equipment was sold some time ago and it had been used as a store, but everything was moved out recently."

In April, the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust stepped up security measures at Willington Health Centre after a spate of vandal attacks.

Health centre officials warned that the centre could close because staff safety could not be guaranteed.

Police investigating the Spectrum blaze have appealed for information. Call (01388) 603566.