FEARS that a storage hut will be a focal point for vandals have been allayed after a compromise was reached between Summerseat Juniors Football Club and neighbouring residents.

Householders on Waterside Road and in the nearby vicinity were concerned that the steel container, intended to protect the club's goalposts in the playing fields, would become a place for youths to congregate and a target for anti-social behaviour. Tenants produced a petition against the proposal and after extensive talks between residents and club organisers it was agreed that the 40ft hut will be made to half the size and stored elsewhere.

Councillor Dorothy Gunther said that Summerseat has suffered from anti-social problems in the past, and that the image the village has of being a sleepy hamlet is a myth.

"There has been ongoing problems with vandalism in the last 15 years or so, and people need to take heed of this. It is very frustrating when repeated complaints are not taken seriously," said Coun Gunther.

However compared to the rest of the borough, incidents of anti-social behaviour in the village are low, according to Inspector Steve Clark, head of Ramsbottom and Tottington Police.

"We will always respond to complaints wherever they are made, but in terms of anti-social problems Summerseat reports less incidents than other parts of the district," he said. "In addition, policemen patrol the area to try to prevent problems before they arise.