EXTRA police will be patrolling the streets of Hazlemere tonight in a bid to deter hooligans who wreaked havoc in the recreation ground last weekend.

Vandals smashed windows, ran amok inside storage sheds and pulled out power cabling after breaking into the Sports Pavilion on Amersham Road, Hazlemere over the weekend.

But appalled Wycombe district councillor Les Taylor (Cons, Hazlemere West) has warned against blaming local youngsters and says ongoing vandalism underpins the desperate need for facilities.

Ken Williams, President of Hazlemere Recreation Ground, described it as 'the worst weekend of vandalism we've ever had'.

A play group who meet at the ground found a scene of chaos when they arrived on Monday morning.

"They'd smashed the security lights so the water got in blowing every light in the Pavilion," said Mr Williams. "We have not had much trouble since the windows were broken a few months ago but this is the worst. Why do they do it? We're not well off here and this all costs money which is a waste. To be fair to the police they are around but it happens at night."

He added: "We are working hard to make these facilities available and idiots go and do this. They could have come from anywhere. The fact is we are fighting desperately for facilities on the north side of the A404. There is nothing for youngsters. They have to hang around Park Parade.

Sergeant Tony Reilly of Hazlemere Police Station, said: "We are aware there have been some problems at the recreation ground. This weekend we will be setting up extra patrols particularly along the route of the main A404 on Friday night and Saturday morning. We will be out and about all weekend."