A YOUTH centre which was forced to close because of vandalism is ready to re-open its doors for a bright new start.

The Phoenix Youth and Community Association in Catforth Road, on the Larches estate, Ashton, closed its doors after being targeted by gangs in the area.

The building was vandalised, inside and out, and youth leaders decided the best way to get rid of the problem was to start again.

Mukund Gosai, a youth and community worker at the centre, said the problems were getting worse.

"There was graffiti on the inside and basically the building was being wrecked," he said. "So it was decided to close down and start again.

"The building has been re-painted and we have bought some new equipment and we have also got some new staff.

"The minority of youths saw the building as a target and as its condition got worse, more people thought it was OK to damage it.

"Things got so bad, we had to introduce a membership card scheme for our members so we knew who everyone was," he said. Mukund now believes the new building will remain in a good condition.

"More people will take pride in the centre now and I hope it will mean an increased membership and a more active role in the community for the group," he said.

The centre re-opens with a grand open day on Monday, April 9. People in the area have been issued with leaflets about the groups which will be showcased.

At 10am the juniors group for those in schools years four to six will get the chance to have a look around and see what they can do at the centre.

This will be followed at 1.30pm by the Bridge Group for children in years seven to nine and the senior group at 6pm for those in year 10 and above.

Mukund Gosai said: "I hope the day goes really well, we are all looking forward to it immensely and hopefully everything will be okay."