BOSSES at a doctors' surgery in Melksham admit feeling helpless to stop gangs of youths from vandalising the building.

Giffords Practice in Spa Road is picking up the pieces after the latest wrecking spree caused £2,500 of damage.

Most of the vandalism was caused by a basketball, which was kicked and thrown against surgery signs, smashing lettering.

Practice manager Sharan White said vandals had cost the surgery about £25,000 since it opened three years ago.

"We are trying to provide a decent service to patients but this is being spoilt by youths as we are having to divert resources to pay for security and repair work," she said.

"This money could have been spent on employing an extra nurse or used to provide more clinics."

About £10,000 already comes out of the annual budget to pay for Bristol-based Security 2000 to patrol the car park when the surgery is closed.

Bosses decided to employ guards after gangs of youths started using the grounds for drink binges and dangerous skateboard stunts. Other options, including the installation of CCTV cameras, have been ruled out because of cost.

The problem is not just confined to the evening, as youngsters have terrorised patients and staff during the day, with reports of doctors being verbally abused and patients running into reception in tears.

Mrs White said: "About 30 to 40 kids have gathered outside in the past. The worst time seems to be during the summer evenings.

"We feel helpless about it. Police can't do anything about it until someone is caught doing something."

Mrs White hopes Melksham's £100,000 skatepark, which could be completed before Christmas, will stop troublemakers by giving them something to do.

She said: "There are no easy answers. Kids just need somewhere to go."

Acting inspector Mike White, of Melksham Police, said officers patrol the area regularly.

He said: "There are a number of crime prevention things which could be done but it is all a question of money."

Police are appealing for information about the attack, which happened between November 14 and 17. Call (01225) 703444 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.