The action comes after a public meeting heard on Wednesday that there had been a rash of problems at the centre in Whittlesey Road, Peterborough, with youths blamed for a trail of smashed glass and damaged fittings.

Now the neighbourhood police team and the city council are to see what crime reduction measures can be introduced, such as improved lighting and tree cutting to reduce cover for anti-social activity.

Closing off a secluded part of the car park at certain times is also to be looked at, although that might mean relocating an emergency access point from the car park to the adjacent playing fields.

What do you think about the community centre's problems?
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Chairman of Stanground Community Association Brian Coulson said he had been attacked by youths at the centre last month.

They threw bricks at him when he attempted to speak to them.

He said: "It was a Monday evening and we were here setting up for the bingo. I heard a noise and when I went outside there was a gang of youths out there.

"I asked them what they were doing and they started throwing half-bricks at me. One of them hit me on the head.

"I was surrounded by about 20 youths, and when you get 20 around you it's quite intimidating."

Mr Coulson said he did not require hospital treatment.

Wednesday's meeting was organised by the police after a neighbourhood panel of officers, councillors and residents heard last month that crime and anti-social behaviour had fallen in the previous quarter in the Stanground Central ward.

The news should have come as reassurance to people in the area, which is in the police sector of Peterborough with the lowest recorded crime level. But some said that picture did not match their experiences.

And it emerged the community centre and the Thurning Avenue playing fields were particular crime hotspots.

Problems have included the theft of a pay phone, youths riding their bikes into the building during an exercise class, and the boilerhouse pump being stolen.

Manhole covers have also been taken, youths have been motorcycling on the fields in the early hours, and bottles have been left smashed on the car park after apparent drinking binges.

Sgt Kirsty Hills stressed residents had to help the police by reporting incidents.

And she said launching a youth club at the centre would help officers to build bridges with youngsters.

Sgt Hills said: "As soon as you talk to them and show them you want to help them, they start to open up to you.

"Seventy five to 80 per cent of them are just socialising and doing no harm, but they can tell you about the other 20 to 25 per cent that are causing a problem, and we can focus our resources on them."