A COUNCIL has been forced to employ security guards to protect a community centre.

Skerne Park Community Centre, in Darlington, has been repeatedly targeted by vandals since work started to repair damage caused by an arson attack on Tuesday, March 23.

Work to repair the centre started last week, but since roofers erected scaffolding the police have been called on several occasions to the site as youngsters use it as a climbing frame.

Last week, resident Joyce Standing appealed to children to stop climbing on the scaffolding because she feared someone would get hurt.

But now youngsters have caused damage and attempted to burgle the centre, prompting the council to employ security guards.

A council spokesman said that over the weekend youngsters got through a security fence and used the scaffolding to climb on to the roof, where they caused damage.

"The roofers were there to make the roof weatherproof, but because it was damaged at the weekend the water got in and caused further damage inside," he said.

"But we have fixed the roof, electricians, plasterers and bricklayers are in there now, and we are still on target for finishing next week.

"We are determined that the actions of a mindless few will not spoil this for the majority."

PC Stracey Vials said officers were investigating an attempted burglary at the centre on Tuesday night, after youngsters again got on to the roof.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.

* Seven children, three girls and four boys, aged 12 to 17 have been charged with arson at the community centre.

They will appear before Darlington Youth Court on May 14.