VANDALS caused up to £20,000 worth of damage when they smashed a car into a Cricket pavilion.

The building at Charlton Down Cricket Club was wrecked in one corner and the roof left in danger of collapse. Now community groups have been left with nowhere to meet until the damage is repaired.

Police have cordoned off the area and are now appealing for witnesses.

Don Rousell, Charlton Down parish councillor, said: "The pavilion is constantly being damaged.

"It's an area where a lot of youngsters gather, and it would seem the gate was left unlocked allowing access to a vehicle."

Mr Rousell said the gate used to be locked to prevent travellers getting on to the site, but nearby residents had called for it to be unlocked so the police could have quicker access when they are called.

He has seen children from as young as eight using the spot as a meeting place until around 11pm.

Mr Rousell said: "It's out of sight of a lot of adults.

"I've seen the state some of these kids have been in, barely being able to stand because they're under the influence of alcohol.

"There are rumours that there are drugs."

He added: "The kids get moaned at if they're skateboarding in the village so, to some extent, they've been driven down there."

Mr Rousell said the situation had been building up for some time. He added that he hoped the new skate park would provide a better meeting place for the youngsters.

He is calling for a greater police presence in the village to prevent further attacks of vandalism. He said: "We don't see the police too often. By the time they've got here the culprits have disappeared."

West Dorset District Council's estates officer James Tawse said: "There is considerable damage to the outer bricks and inner block work to the cricket pavilion at Charlton Down.

"The police are investigating the case as it appears that the damage has been caused by a vehicle. The cost of repairs are still being assessed but we anticipate that it will be thousands of pounds."

He said that the council's insurance company has been informed.

PC Amanda Hopkins of Dorchester Police said: "The purpose-built brick pavilion has been very badly damaged by someone deliberately driving at one side and corner of the building. I believe the damage will have been caused very late at night and the whole structure of the building has been damaged."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.