LEDBURY'S recreation ground is becoming "a no go zone" because of drug taking, drinking and anti-social behaviour, according to town councillors.

With most of the problems centred on the shelter just down from the skatepark, moves are now afoot to get the shelter removed.

The idea to remove the problem shelter was debated at last week's environment and leisure committee and, although the removal of the shelter would require approval from the full council, support is growing among councillors to get the shelter taken away.

Former town mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker said: "I do have strong views. I do think it should be removed. The recreation ground is becoming a no go zone. Drugs are a problem there. Absolutely, definitely.

"Bottles are being smashed in the nearby skate park."

Cllr Baker added: "I sometimes take my grandkids down there and all you get from older youths and adults is shouting and swearing. They swear so much and when you ask them to stop, you get a torrent of abuse."

Other town councillors are keeping away, because of the ongoing situation.

Cllr Tony Bradford, chairman of the environment and leisure committee, said: "I don't go down the recreation ground now, at my age, and I know of parents who won't allow their children to go down there. It's not right.

"I've heard reports of foul language, verbal abuse, drug taking and people urinating in people's gardens. I'm told that people are even selling alcohol down there. All this is offensive to a lot of people, and the people responsible should have more respect."

He understood that the main drug being taken there was marijuana.

Cllr Bradford said he was originally in two minds about removing the shelter; but now he also thinks the best solution is to remove it.

Cllr Annette Crowe, who organises the regular PACT meetings in the town, is also in favour of removing the shelter.

She said: "With the shelter there, they can see the police coming so it's easier for them to scatter. A few people are spoiling it for the many. There has been drug paraphernalia found down there. It's not safe for younger children.

"It's time for the shelter to go."

Before a spate of complaints from local residents, the town council, which owns the recreation ground, had considered installing a second shelter.

Cllr Crowe said that was now "money better spent elsewhere."

She added that the problems were not just being caused by youths, but by adults as well.

A Police spokesman said: "Foot patrols are undertaken on a frequent basis, responding to intelligence and information from the public."