TODDLERS at a Leyland nursery are having to tread carefully after vandals put the building's windows through during the Easter holidays.

Staff at the nursery in Moss Side Community Centre, near the village shops in Dunkirk Lane, believe the culprits are gangs of youths who hang around until the early hours.

After years of similar problems at the community centre, pre-school supervisor Denise Johnson, 43, believes the police and parents of the youths need to take action.

Denise, who has worked at the centre for 17 years, said: "I have seen all sorts of things and this isn't a new problem, but it is getting worse. There are up to 30 youngsters hanging out here.

"We came back after the two-week Easter holiday and three windows had been put through. There was glass everywhere in the hallway and at the front of the building. It is a hazard for the children."

The building, which was painted by South Ribble Borough Council two years ago, has been daubed on the outside with graffiti.

A tiled wall mosaic, designed and created by children at Moss Side Primary School has been removed from a nearby outside wall due to constant vandalism. Even a picket fence that surrounds the building has to be taken in overnight.

Now fee-paying parents could see a hike in nursery costs to keep up with the maintenance of the building.

Councillor Barbara Wilson, cabinet member for sport leisure and the environment, said: "We have installed security lights which have been subsequently smashed. This is a very difficult situation and we are working with the police. The council were looking at developing the area near the community centre but when everything is destroyed we have to reassess if we can afford it."

A police spokesman said officers are patrolling the area and special attention is being given to the community centre.