A MUCH-LOVED old shelter could be demolished because of hordes of rowdy youths who congregate there and intimidate residents.

The shelter on the corner of Highbury Road East and Kilnhouse Road in St Annes, which has been there for as long as many of the oldest residents can remember, has now become a focal point for loitering youngsters.

Police have been so inundated with calls from the many elderly and vulnerable people in the area that they have brought the matter to the attention of local councillors.

Now a working party made up of councillors and police has been set up to discuss the problem and to see what can be done.

If all efforts fail the shelter may have to be pulled down.

Residents have reported that as many as 30 youths aged between 12 and 17 gather in the shelter, drinking and causing trouble - urinating, lighting fires and setting off fireworks.

Councillor Ron Wilson said: "It hasn't been very pleasant. Neighbours have said they have been harassed.

"A working party has been set up to see whether in fact we need to demolish the hut but I'm not too happy about that, it seems the vandals always win."

Local resident Margaret Johnson, 75, said: "This very old attractive little place is being destroyed.

"It has been here for as long as I can remember and I hate to see our old bits and pieces being ruined."

PC Julie Benn said: "One solution would be to have the hut removed but it is a feature for the area and I am quite open to other avenues."

If anybody would like to contact PC Julie Benn with comments or ideas about the problem, call St Annes police on 736222.

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