TEENAGE vandals are putting sports enthusiasts at risk by damaging facilities at Kendal Snowsports Club.

Club officials have identified three separate groups of youths who have been using the slope and the grounds as a regular meeting spot throughout the summer.

Drug paraphernalia, including joints and empty canisters of what is assumed is Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, have been found on a regular basis at the Canal Head site.

The groups of youths, both girls and boys believed to be between the ages of 13 to 19, have also smashed warning signs, burned holes into the safety padding and thrown stones and glass onto the slope itself.

John Cresswell, a committee member of the Kendal Snowsports Club, which is run entirely by volunteers, said the club had CCTV footage 'but would rather not take a legal approach'.

Instead, he wanted to warn the youths off, saying: “These young people should think about how the effect they are having to the community is quite detrimental. They are more than welcome to come to the club as members when our winter season starts but if they use it as a meeting place and cause damage, this will not be accepted."

John Bryers, membership secretary and former chairman of the club, said: "The stones cause problems on the slope as the mat is laid. Our volunteers have been picking stones from the slope more than once, which is hard work and also disheartening. All the damage is paid for with our members' money as well."

The club has spent over £60,000 to keep the slope in good condition in preparation for the upcoming season, which starts next month.

The club committee has approached police about the damage to the club facilities and is considering measures including setting a fence around the area and hiring a security guard.

It is also asking parents who may know that their child is spending time at the club grounds to ask them to move somewhere else.

Mr Bryers added: "There are many places in Kendal for these kids to spend time in. I don't understand why they would choose an isolated ski slope."