The peaceful space, which has been preciously crafted by visitors to the centre, was ruined overnight by yobs on bikes.



Pots were smashed, guttering was damaged, hanging baskets were thrown on to the centre's roof and a greenhouse had a pane put through.

It is the latest in a string of attacks and staff and users of Peterlee Day Centre, in Essington Way, say they are sick of youngsters ruining their hard work.

Sarah Taylor, supervisor at the centre, said: "It has become almost once a month now, but the damage is getting worse.

"It has taken a lot of years to get the garden how it is and to come in and see it all smashed up is devastating."

Centre staff are now looking at upping security around the building with both CCTV cameras and more fencing both being considered.

John Cairns, a centre user and councillor for Wingate, said: "This garden has been funded through grants but also by users raising money themselves.

"A lot of hard work has gone into it so to see this happen again just makes me feel run down.

"It seems needless and pointless. Why come along and smash things up? It's mindless."

Maureen Roberts, 61, has visited the centre from her home in Seaham for 15 years has played a big role in the garden's development.

She said: "I do most of the gardening and growing of plants so I am very disappointed.

"They don't realise how much damage they are doing. We are just trying to make a nice place to be and they keep on spoiling it.

"You can see in the grass where they came on their bikes. It's so easy for them.

"It's sad but we do need more security."

A spokeswoman for Durham Police confirmed officers received a report of criminal damage from the centre on Tuesday morning and were investigating.