75541-80YOBS have ransacked a Penhill house used as emergency accommodation by homeless families.

Council tax payers will now have to shell out between £2,000 and £5,000 to repair damage to the Lodge in Hillary Close.

Louts have smashed all the windows and ripped out kitchen units at the four-bedroom property.

The last family to occupy it moved out in November and the building was left empty for refurbishment.

Local councillor David Glaholm (Lab, Penhill) is furious.

He said: "It's a tragedy. And what really annoys me is that we're trying to build an adventure play area in the park just opposite to give bored youngsters something to do.

"It just seems that for every step forward, we take two back.

"This property's a valuable resource.

"Unfortunately, it will be council tax payers who pay for the repairs."

The building is on the edge of the Seven Fields Nature Reserve and was previously used to accommodate the park ranger.

It is run by the council's environment and property section.

Council spokeswoman Sarah Deacon said: "It's a great shame that vandalism such as this has taken place here.

"At the moment the windows are boarded up but repair work is due to start early next week."

Community action group, Twist is campaigning to raise £150,000 to build the adventure playground in Penhill Park.

The park's paddling pool was closed several years ago because of vandalism and parents frequently complain that the estate lacks play equipment. But more volunteers are needed if the project is to be a success.

Project secretary Jo Harrison said: "We're moving forward slower than we would like but realistically work on the playpark should start next summer."

The next Twist meeting is at 6pm on Wednesday, Feb-ruary 2 at Sure Start in Everleigh Road. A crche is available for those with young children.

Jo can be contacted on 07759 739989 if anyone would like to help with the project.

Tamash Lal