Vandalism by gangs of youngsters has left a popular York community centre facing closure, its leader warned today.

Derrick Atlay, chairman of Orchard Park Community Centre, in Badger Paddock, Huntington, issued the warning after windows at the centre were smashed three times in only ten days.

Mr Atlay called the vandalism "soul destroying", and said this year has been the worst since the centre opened 15 years ago.

He estimated it would cost £200 to repair the latest damage, and said the total repair bill since the centre opened was around £12,000.

He said: "We have this problem every summer. This is the worst it has started. If it goes on like this, we will have to close the place down. It's that bad."

The centre and its grounds are used every day by a playgroup for under-fives, by a church group on Sundays and Wednesdays, for bowling on Thursdays, and by a pensioners' group on Friday afternoons. It is also a popular venue for children's parties.

Mr Atlay said: "It only takes a few people to wreck a few windows, but it's preventing a lot of people enjoying using the building and the grounds."

He added: "I would hate to see us lose it, but I'm afraid it's getting that way now."

Huntington councillor Keith Hyman said there have been problems in the area for some time, but said he thought things had got better since last summer, when some trees had been set on fire.

He said the closure of the centre would represent a "phenomenal" loss for the community, and said he would speak to police to try to resolve the problems.

He said: "The parish council has three community centres and this is by far the most modern of them, with modern facilities. It is a very important part of the community and it would be terrible if we lost it."

Fellow councillor Carol Runciman said there had been problems with gates not being locked recently.

She acknowledged the problem was getting worse, not better, and urged residents to report all incidents to police.

On the threat of closure, she said: "It would be a dreadful thing to happen, because it is very badly needed in the area and the work it does is very important."

PC Paul Beckwith, of the Huntington and New Earswick Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I am aware that antisocial behaviour at Orchard Park has become an issue again in recent days.

"The neighbourhood sergeant for the area, Mike Walker, has discussed the issue with Mr Atlay, and we will be putting a plan together to tackle the problem."

PC Beckwith said he obtained Home Office funding last autumn to improve fencing and gates at the site, but added: "It seems that there is still an issue with security at the site, as some of the recent incidents have occurred after the gates have been locked.

"That aspect will need to be looked at."

Updated: 12:04 Wednesday, May 10, 2006