COMMUNITY workers in the Earcroft area of Darwen are hoping to stamp out crime at a bus stop which has been vandalised and damaged since it was put up.

The stop, which was maintained by advertising firm Adshell until it was taken over by Blackburn with Darwen Council in June 2003, sits on the corner of Duddon Avenue.

But three days after the council took it over, the shelter was smashed by joyriders, and since then it has been damaged by vandals, who even stole the roof to use as a sledge.

Now a poster competition has been launched, giving youngsters in the area the chance to design a slogan to stop vandalism to Earcroft's bus shelters.

The competition is open to children under 16 years old, who can design a poster, write a poem or come up with a slogan, about the importance of bus shelters and the effect of vandalism.

Michelle Rutherford, council community development officer said: "The problem affects people living in the community. It makes the community look a mess and upsets the elderly residents, who use the shelter for the purpose it was intended."

Earcroft Councillor Mary Leaver, said: "It's a wonderful.idea I hope lots of children take part.

The bus shelter has been a bit of a pest, to say the least, but I'm sure we will overcome the problems."

The council recently spent £37,5000 on its bus shelters.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "This initiative forms part of our aim to improve the experience of travelling by public transport. Vandalism is unacceptable, the cost of repairs is escalating and has to be paid for out of public money."

Entries must be in by Friday, February 27, on an A4 piece of paper, with the designer's name, age, address and contact number on the back.

Send them to Earcroft Community Base, Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen, BB3 1QZ.