STONE-throwing yobs could force the closure of a day centre for the elderly in the New Forest.

Age Concern is threatening the drastic action because it is sick and tired of repairing damage caused by vandalism to the Cussens Day Centre in Hythe.

It has been targeted seven times in the past month with windows being smashed by bricks and stones.

Youths have also been climbing on the roof of the nearby medical centre and uprooting trees and plants.

Doug Horrill, president of Age Concern New Forest East, who own and manage the day centre in Fairview Drive, said: "We are a charity with very limited resources.

"There is only so much money we can plough in to keep this building functional, up to a standard that is acceptable for the older people who use it and the staff and volunteers who run it.

"I'm considering closing the place down because of what it costs financially to replace these windows."

Some of the windows have had wire screens fitted over replacement windows.

The repair bill for two windows smashed at the eastern end of the building, next to a park where youths gather in the evening, is £2,500.

But Age Concern said they will not pay for any more repairs until the vandals are stopped.

The latest damaged windows have been left boarded up.

Mr Horrill said the wire screens made the building look unwelcoming to the many frail pensioners who use it.

Daily routines were being interrupted by time spent cleaning up damage.

Day care manager Celia Hill, said: "The vandals have no idea of the disruption they are causing.

"Day care is a vital element of these people's lives and they look forward to coming here each week.

"It would be a catastrophe if the centre had to close due to these thoughtless and destructive acts."

She stressed the day care service would continue but would move to a different building.

About 125 elderly people use the day centre each week. It is staffed by 12 volunteers and 11 paid workers.