VANDALS targeted one of Warrington's six threatened community buildings last weekend - and a local councillor says that the attack could have sealed the centre's fate.

The roof of Burtonwood Youth Base was badly damaged during the incident last Friday night, with slates being removed and smashed on the floor.

Clr John Joyce, who is a borough and parish councillor for the village, says that any plans that were being discussed about keeping the centre open are now in serious doubt.

He added: "This is an act of mindless vandalism which has destroyed the youth base's roof.

"The vandals have caused extensive damage and the repairs could now prove to be too expensive."

The incident happened at around 8.30pm on Friday, and Warrington police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the attack.

The Guardian revealed earlier this year how Clr Joyce and fellow Burtonwood councillor Terry O'Neill were hoping to keep the village's youth base open, even if the council decided to close it.

They distributed around 1,500 leaflets to homes in Burtonwood, asking for people's support in setting up a trust and applying for grants so that education and social provision could be provided for residents of the village.

Clr Joyce said: "This latest attack could seriously damage any ideas we had of taking over the building and all because of the actions of a few mindless morons.

"It's another setback for us. We're trying to encourage local people to volunteer and businesses to get involved, but it feels like we're fighting a losing battle."

Councillors and officers have been touring Warrington and speaking to user groups at the six threatened community centres and youth bases, as well as other centres in the town, but Burtonwood Youth Base was not on this week's route.

A visit to the centre, which is on the corner of Clay Lane and Phipps Lane, has not yet been scheduled.

l If you have any information about the incident, call CID on 01244 350000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.