A COMMUNITY centre used by brownies, toddlers and an over 60s group is the latest target for a gang of drunken, yobbish kids. All the windows along one side of Maltlands Community Centre were smashed at the weekend and police are taking tough action to ta

A COMMUNITY centre used by brownies, toddlers and an over 60s group is the latest target for a gang of drunken, yobbish kids.All the windows along one side of Maltlands Community Centre were smashed at the weekend and police are taking tough action to tackle the growing antisocial problems in that part of Locking Castle.Police dogs, officers on horseback and the force helicopter could be drafted in to stop the gang of around 50 troublesome teenagers meeting to get drunk and go on a 'damage rampage'.Community centre manager Sarah Pearce said: "Friday nights have become a big issue for residents. The youths gather around the shops and park and spend the evening drinking alcohol and then go on a damage rampage. "Every Saturday morning we find discarded cans and broken bottles in the park and surrounding paths. Walking dogs has become dangerous, the park is becoming a no-go zone for the kids as it's left in such a state and homes are also suffering damage."Residents are feeling intimidated and frustrated but they need to keep reporting it to the police and not suffer in silence so they can build up enough evidence for more action like a dispersal order."The other issue is where are they get ting alcohol from when they are nearly all under-age. It needs to be tackled."We did a survey of 2,000 homes and 80 per cent of those returned say top of the list of problems is youth and alcohol problems."Community sergeant Gareth Starr said: "We were out last weekend because of trouble and Tesco closed for half an hour to help disperse the groups. "Officers with dogs were called in to patrol and we took a 14-year-old girl home because she had been drinking and her behaviour towards us was far from acceptable."We've had a lot of people contact us complaining about nuisance kids, particularly in Puttingthorpe Drive, so I have requested extra resources to do more high profile patrols."To report incidents call the beat office on 01934 638165 or dial 999.