VANDALS have struck at a Bournemouth sports pavilion for the third time in less than six months.

They smashed up a kitchen, burned tables and chairs and hurled items of furniture around at the Slades Farm pavilion.

The damage, set to run into thousands of pounds, is the latest problem for the pavilion, formerly used by Oakmeadians Rugby Football Club.

The club owns all the equipment in the pavilion but is no longer using it due to the problems caused by vandals.

In August last year a fire door was set alight and another wooden door was forced open.

Police investigating the offence discovered hand-written notes inside the pavilion from someone who claimed to have put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and buckets of water.

They said they did not report the offence to the police because they feared they would get into trouble.

A month later police were again alerted when the kitchen was smashed up and a microwave broken.

Oakmeadians RFC was using the site for children's training but has now been forced to move the sessions back to its over-crowded main site at Meyrick Park.

Cllr Nigel Hedges said the council, police and other agencies are working together to find a solution to the problems of vandalism at the site.

He said: "This is a most alarming, determined and continued spate of vandalism at a highly-valued community asset.

"It is an absolute tragedy because this facility should be enjoyed and used by the community. It is very upsetting for the residents and the people who want to enjoy these facilities."

Cllr Hedges, who represents Wallisdown and Winton West, said the issue will be discussed at a public forum meeting on Saturday and that possible evidence from CCTV cameras at the site has been handed to police.

Michael Rowland, Bournemouth council’s head of parks development said: "Over the last six months Slades Farm Open Space has suffered from repeated criminal damage, arson, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"This has been directed at all facilities within this area including the changing pavilions, community centre, learning centre, community garden and car park.

"The Parks Service have been working closely with the council’s anti-social behaviour team and the police in trying to identify the offenders. CCTV has been installed in the area and all parties are gathering evidence to identify offenders. All buildings are also alarmed.

"Most of the offences are occurring in the small hours, we’d would urge residents to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour late in the evening to the police. Due to the level of criminal damage on the main pavilion and the fact it is not currently in use, repairs are not being undertaken at this time, our efforts are focused on making the area safe for all of the community."