A Bradford community centre has vowed not to be beaten by criminals after burglars broke in through its roof, but fled empty-handed.

Staff at Fagley Youth and Community Centre were forced to step up security after thieves stole music and gardening equipment valued at thousands of pounds last year.

Despite the latest break-in and an ongoing battle against people dropping litter, staff and volunteers are determined to forge ahead with plans to open a new park in May, with a nature trail, allotment and a playing field.

Centre manager Keith Cornwell said: “They broke in and did some damage, but we’ve put alarms in and new security measures and it looks like it’s working.”

He said the centre had acquired lottery funding to build the nature park, and had been given 800 trees by the Woodland Trust.

The centre is open on Thursdays and Fridays for volunteers to come and help with tree planting and other activities.

The new area will be named Beaumont Park after the centre’s founder Burt Beaumont, said Mr Cornwell. An event to mark its opening will be held on Saturday, May 26.

Mr Cornwell said: “All we can do is keep repairing it and not let them get to us. I think once they see they are not getting to us they will leave us alone.”

He said the community had rallied to support the centre after the music and gardening equipment was taken last June, with people donating amps and a drum kit. “It shows there are some nice people out there,” he said.

Councillor Dorothy Wallace (Lib Dem, Eccleshill), whose ward includes Fagley, said: “They are doing really well. They’re stepping up security again and again. No matter what, they are going to have an opening in May when everything is lush and green and looking lovely.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said inquiries were ongoing into the burglary last June and the recent break-in, on February 6. Any witnesses are asked to phone police on 101.