RESIDENTS have defeated plans for a youth shelter in a park near their homes.

Blackburn with Darwen planning committee overruled officers and refused permission for the new shelter at Livesey Urban Park, Blackburn.

Their decision followed pleas from residents who attended the meeting.

The plan for the youth shelter was originally put forward for a decision last month but was deferred by councillors when concern was expressed at a lack of consultation.

At their February meeting, councillors were told that one to one interviews had been held with residents on streets surrounding the park, including Scotland Bank Terrace.

Some 18 people had been interviewed, only one of whom was in favour of the shelter. The remaining 17 claimed it would only aggravate problems of vandalism, arson, allegations of assault, drug dealing and youngsters having sex on the park.

A report to the committee said residents often found drug needles and condoms in the park, although officers were still recommending the shelter should be approved on the grounds that it would provide the community with a new amenity.

Youth and community officer David Bailey told the meeting: "The youngsters have been involved for a long time in preparing this youth shelter. This is at a site which the police can monitor."

However, petitions bearing more than 80 signatures claimed the shelter would lead to a rise in crime, with more youths from across the area coming on to the park.

Coun Paul Browne said: "The residents don't want it here. We have no right to impose it upon them."

But Coun Andy Kay said: "Yes, there are some yobs, but does that mean everyone else should miss out?"