YOUTHS who trashed a Carlisle nursery have been warned by police to change their behaviour or they could face prosecution.

Five young people in the west of the city have been issued with letters banning certain behaviour and warning them further action may be taken against them if they do not stop causing problems.

Three of these were issued in connection with enquiries after criminal damage was caused at Yewdale Community Centre last month.

Yewkids Nursery staff were devastated to find their outdoor area had been trashed and strewn with rubbish - including cigarette ends and takeaway boxes - on October 15.

Residents in nearby Richmond Green were also subjected to anti-social behaviour.

Suzanne Watson, 45, said her son was left terrified after a group of youths pounded her front door and opened it. She’d also had fruit and footballs thrown at the house.

The mum-of-three said their behaviour was “disgusting” and she felt they had no respect other people’s feelings or property.

The community protection notice warnings spell out that police suspect the teenagers are behaving in a way that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for the community.

The notices ban them from certain parts of the west of the city – and warn them not to act in a way that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

A police spokesman said: “If the youths, all male and aged in their mid-to-late teens, do not follow the actions in the letter, a community protection notice may be issued against them. If they fail to follow this they could face prosecution.”

It is the latest measure to be taken in the area following reports of antisocial behaviour in recent months. Police also utilised extra resources in a bid to crack down on the level of such behaviour.

Officer are continuing their inquiries in relation to the criminal damage at Yewdale Community Centre.

It’s believed offenders scaled a near 9ft fence to access the area and left through two gates which can only be opened from the inside. It happened sometime between 4pm on Saturday, October 13, and 8am on Monday, October 15.

Following the incident the nursery received numerous offers of help. Childcare manager Jude Coupland said: "We were touched by the support from the local community and for the police work that has been undertaken.

"It was business as usual by the next day. The repairs were carried by one of our community volunteers which again shows the spirit of our local community that we serve."

PC Lori Watson said: “We would appeal for anyone with any information about antisocial behaviour to contact us.”

Call 101 or email 101@cumbria.police.uk.