AN under siege playgroup has had to cancel its annual trip because of the damage being caused by burglars and vandals.

Ducklings Pre-School Learning Centre has been broken into six times since Christmas despite installing extra security.

Last weekend intruders got into the Horsforth centre's metal toy store and covered it in graffiti before using it as a toilet.

The persistent attacks have drained the group's finances so badly it is now having to call off its yearly seaside trip for the children.

Assistant manager Sue Bollon said: "We don't know what to do, it seems whatever locks we put on and gates we put up whoever's doing this keeps trying to get in again.

"It is almost as if they're trying to prove they can do it. We don't know why they are so determined, it's as if someone has a grudge against us because nothing's ever taken, it's just the damage they cause when they are here.

"I think part of the reason is that we're tucked away in a nice location for them, down by the primary school, where they can have a drink and get up to what they want to and not be seen.

"They seem to be goading us, saying 'you put a new lock on the door and we'll break in'.

"The police caught four of them in here once and they were only 12 and 13. We usually take our kids on a trip to the seaside once a year but we can't afford to do that now, all the money we had has had to go on security."

Liberal Democrat Ward Counc-illor Chris Townsley, who was made Lord Mayor of Leeds on Monday, said he was saddened to hear of the group's new problems.

Coun Townsley said the situation seemed well suited for the use of ASBOs (Anti Social Behaviour Orders), but conceded enough evidence needed to be gathered first.

He said: "What has happened is awful and the fact they have had to cancel this trip must be quite devastating for them.

"I cannot understand the mentality of the people responsible - who wants to spoil little children's play equipment just for the sake of it?

"These actions just cannot be tolerated. If we're not careful we're going to end up like Beirut with everything behind bars.

"I don't know what the answer is, but I don't think the age of those responsible should matter. Whether they are five years old or 15 this is criminal damage and the correct agency to deal with them is the police.

"There is a duty for the council too, but only really to help them replace things.

"The centre can apply to councillors for help in replacing equipment and security and I'm sure we would look at that quite sympathetically.

"The city council can also come into its own in terms of ordering ASBOs, but first we would have to have concrete evidence from the police, that's the hard part.

"Our party has close links to this group and gave them some money to help cover their start-up costs seven years ago, so it is very sad to see them suffering like this."

Ms Bollon is fearing the problems could escalate as the summer holidays approach.

She said: "We would really ask people to please keep an eye out for us then, because it could be murder. We could do with any help anyone can come up with."

l Anyone who would like to assist can contact the centre on (0113) 239 0549.