Castlepark residents have hit out at vandals after youngsters smashed the windows of the community centre.

The community centre was targeted last week with police planning to speak youngsters in school and residents with any information on the culprits.

Marjory Dickie from the residents association said: “Disappointed in some of the youth in the community that went on the roof at Castlepark Community Centre, ruined the rockery by flinging all the stones at the windows resulting in seven broken.

“We as a committee are trying our best to get the centre reopened but vandalism like this is holding it back and causing financial strain on the centre and the volunteers that run it. Anybody with information, let us know.”

Official Castlepark community builder Sally MacIntyre later updated residents after speaking to police.

She said: “I had a meeting with the community policewoman today about the anti social behaviour of the children that are congregating around Castlepark area.

“She informed me there are talks to be carried out in the schools. But the general public need to help also.

“If you see the children congregating and making a nuisance in the area, could you let the police know either by phoning or filling out the form in Police Scotland online. We will also be checking CCTV in the area to see if we can identify anyone.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We received a report of eight windows broken at this locus at some point between September 1 and September 3. Local enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has any information to assist police can contact us on 101.”

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “When vandals are carrying out such destructive actions they are committing a crime against the whole community.

“The cost of repairing the community centre will be met from council budgets but this is money which could be better spent elsewhere.

“We would urge those responsible for the vandalism to think about what they are doing and the impact it is having. We would also urge the public to be extra vigilant too and contact the police if they have information.”