A BUS shelter used more as a makeshift toilet could be demolished in an effort to wipe out anti-social behaviour.

The shelter, on Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, was made redundant when Lancashire County Council moved back the junction line to make it easier for buses turning from Whalley Road.

But, faced with three options about its future, residents at Clayton and Altham Area Council agreed it should be knocked down because it smelled.

They were also concerned about youths congregating in the area.

The proposal will now go before Hyndburn's full council.

Coun Tim O'Kane, ward councillor, said: "There was a good debate on the matter and in the end people felt it would just look silly if it was blocked in.

"They voted unanimously for demolition so it was truly a people decision. The shelter was being used as a urinal as it was and people didn't want another shelter where youths could congregate.

"The problem was obviously significant enough for residents to want something doing about it and it was putting people off using it as a shelter because of the smell."

The bus stop had to be moved further back along Sparth Road and the original stone shelter could no longer be used as it was in the wrong position.

The subject was raised at the Clayton and Altham Area Council meeting on Thursday and residents were asked to decide what should be done.

Three options were offered:

Demolish the shelter at a cost of £1,875 - as the Area Council had already set aside £800 for alterations to the shelter this would require an extra £1,075 to come out of this year's budget.

Use the £800 already set aside to pay to block up the shelter as had previously been discussed.

The Area Council could pay to open up the shelter by removing two bits of wall at the front and turn the shelter into a seating area - this would cost approximately £1,000 so would need an extra £200 from the Area Council budget.

Steve Watson, area council acting manager, said: "The wall behind the shelter is listed so we will need planning approval to demolish it.

"It will take some time to follow the correct procedure but we will endeavour to make sure the wishes of the residents are carried out."

A similar grant application for money to demolish a stone bus shelter in Higher Gate Road, Huncoat, was voted against at the last Huncoat Area Council meeting.