A SHELTER which commemorates those who lost their lives in World War One has been badly damaged by vandals.

The shelter in Memorial Park, Great Harwood, was targeted on Friday night and parts of the walls and roof of the brick structure were destroyed.

Hyndburn councillor Lynn Wilson, who represents the Netherton ward of Great Harwood, said she had been sickened by the vandalism and pointed the finger at gangs of local youths who were making the park a no-go area.

She said: "I am disgusted by the behaviour of some people, for them to carry out an act like this is terrible.

"The roof of the hut has been wrecked and the walls kicked out, it's sickening."

The shelter - known locally as the budgie' hut because of its former use as an aviary - was built in the 1920s by the women of Great Harwood as a memorial for those who died in The Great War of 1914-1918.

However, just over 18-months-ago the hut was burnt down in a another vandalism attack.

Insurance money and cash from Hyndburn Council paid for the renovation of the shelter following the arson but Coun Wilson said the latest incident could effect the future of the shelter.

She said: "I don't know where this leaves us in terms of getting the money to do the work that is needed.

"When it was down it rose from the ashes and built up again. I can't understand why any one would target it.

"We try and provide places for local youths to go but why should we spend money on them when they do something like this?"

Police confirmed they were investigating the incident.

It was announced in February that Hyndburn Council had received funding from the Heritage and Big Lottery Funds to develop restoration proposals for the park.

Around £80,000 has already been secured by the council to fund the consultations and planning stages. Now a public consultation is set to take place.

Plans for the future include displays about the history of the park, as well as new public art and improved walkways.