A TOWN health centre faces closure because vandals are targeting the building and intimidating staff.

Bosses at Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) said Willington Health Centre may be forced to close it if the vandalism continued.

In the past two weeks, there has been a spate of vandal attacks on the surgery, in Chapel Street, and nearby library, thought to have been carried out by local teenagers.

Windows have been broken, walls scrawled with graffiti and doors smashed open.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred last Saturday when metal golf ball-sized bearings were catapulted through the windows and damaged internal walls.

Andrew Kenworthy, chief executive of the PCT, said that health and social care staff could not be expected to work in such a threatening environment.

He said: "As an employer our first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of staff, recently many have felt unsafe and frightened.

"Although this is usually happening when the centre is closed to the public there are times staff could be inside and we can't risk someone being hurt.

"We are looking to invest up to £9,000 on improving security which could otherwise be spent on a half time health visitor.

"If it was to continue at this level, we will have to consider closing the centre. It would be very sad if vital services, which support lots of local families, children and elderly people were lost because of the actions of people within the same community."

Willington beat officer PC Simon Schofield is working with staff at the health centre and library to find ways of preventing further incidents and to identify the culprits.

He said: "The area was subjected to similar problems over a year ago but it would appear to have started again with the milder weather and light nights.

"I believe the youths are often intoxicated so I would urge licensed outlets to ensure they are not selling alcohol to anyone underage or to someone who may be passing drink on to these youths."

PC Schofield appealed for information about the metal ball bearings that were used in the vandalism of the health centre and also used as missiles at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Willington, on Saturday night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Schofield at Crook police station on (01388) 762011.