A COUNCIL has been criticised for getting carried away after they removed a controversial shelter -- and took the bus stop as well.

Bob Tuffnell, of M&M Coaches, Accrington, said Hyndburn Council only left a steel pole, with no sign at the top in Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle.

He said: "I've had a lot of customers complain about it because they don't have anywhere to stand and don't know if it is a bus stop any more" Mr Tuffnell demanded that the council replace the stop and shelter as soon as possible .

The council removed the shelter last Friday after a resident got his way after 40 years of complaining.

Ronald Cunliffe, 68, said he had fought a battle with the council to get it removed because his life was made a misery by youngsters who gathered there, across from his house.

He said: "We've called the police out so many times I've lost count. We've had bricks thrown through our windows, one even hit my son's girlfriend on the head while she was watching TV in the front room."

Although Lancashire County Council said they were responsible for the bus stop, both themselves and Hyndburn Council have claimed that the other party is responsible for the shelter.

John Schofield, head of transportation for Hyndburn Council said: "The responsibility for the bus shelter lies with Lancashire County Council. It has been vandalised and Hyndburn Council notified them of the need for its repair."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "The borough council have acted within their powers to remove the shelter. The county council is the only authority, however, with responsibility for bus stops."

Peter Britclifffe, chairman of Oswaldtwistle Area Council said: "We have been monitoring the situation regarding for over 12 months, and a report was recently prepared detailing the neighbourhood nuisance problems connected with the shelter, primarily due to its location.

"The shelter had been vandalised to such a degree that it could prove extremely dangerous to children.

"We urgently need to identify a new site for the bus shelter and residents are encouraged to write to me with any comments or suggestions."