COUNCIL tax could rise and community projects be put on the back burner - thanks to the mindless actions of a group of yobs.

Parish councillors in Swanmore say valuable funds are being used up repairing damage caused by vandals.

More than £1,000 has already been spent in the last year repairing the pavilion at Broad Lane after attacks by vandals.

Chairman of the parish council Michael Westwell said: "There is just no sense to it. It is not like they are stealing anything but just damaging the property. It is mindless."

Although the pavilion that is used by football and cricket teams has been randomly targeted over the past three years, the amount of damage has increased recently.

Funds earmarked for a bike track in the village look set to be diverted to cover the cost of the damage.

Residents might have to dig deeper in their pockets when the council sets its next budget .

Mr Westwell said: "We have already spent more than £1,000 just repairing the pavilion and that stops us spending any more on projects like the BMX track and obviously our part of the council tax could rise to cover the maintenance costs.

"We have been told that a group of young people aged around 11 and 12 were spotted the last time the pavilion was damaged.

Winchester City Councillor Frank Pearson said: "It is quite old now but still it costs money to repeatedly repair it. If only these people knew how much it was affecting the community maybe they would think twice," he said.

Police are urging villagers to report any incidents to them.

Beat officer Anne Stephens said: "It is an old pavilion and unfortunately because of that has been a target.

"The parish council do an excellent job providing facilities for young people in the village and it must be very frustrating to have to repeatedly pay for repairs when they want to spend it on other projects."

Contact Meon Valley police on 0845 045 4545 with information.