A PROBLEM play area in Barnoldswick will be ripped out and residents asked what they want in its place.

The Clough Mill play area, off Walmsgate, has been a source of problems virtually since it was installed in 1987.

Its secluded location, behind the Independent Methodist Church and out of sight of the road, has led to older youths congregating there at night.

Local residents have reported all kinds of activity, from vandalism, drinking and drug abuse to people having sex there, even allegations of open air "orgies".

The church has also suffered extensive vandalism to the rear and has a constant battle to keep up with the cost of repairs.

Now the playground needs considerable investment to bring it up to current standards. But faced with having no money to do the work and the play area's bad reputation, councillors voted instead to remove it altogether.

"It's the one playground in Barnoldswick, and perhaps West Craven that hasn't ever worked," said Coun David Whipp when Pendle's West Craven committee met.

"The original plan showed it overlooked by the road, but unfortunately it was installed tucked away behind the chapel. That fundamental mistake 15 years ago has caused an awful lot of grief since."

But Coun Whipp said it was time to put the past behind and look to a better future for the area.

"It's an area that's ripe for regeneration," he said.

"I think we should take out the equipment that's there and put together a package of improvements to make this an area to be proud of."

Colin Patten, Pendle's service manager for parks and outdoor recreation, told the meeting: "I agree that it's in the wrong place.

"I think the removal of the playground in its entirety is advisable."

A written report to members said the existing playground was in a poor condition and it would cost around £40,000 to provide a new playground at the site.

That would include new equipment, safety surfacing and fencing off the site to keep dogs out, in line with the council's current policy.

In contrast, removing the equipment and surfacing and making the site safe would cost just over £2,500.

The report noted that of the four pieces of equipment on site, two of them - an activity unit and a seesaw - had been recommended for removal by an independent annual inspection.

The remaining two pieces - a "commando bridge" and some swings - could remain on site, but would have to be made safer by replacing the surfacing underneath them.

However, the report suggested the "play value" of the commando bridge did not warrant the cost of new surfacing underneath it.

To remove the three pieces of equipment, leaving only the swings, and make the site safe, would cost over £6,200, stated the report, adding that the cost could not be met from existing budgets.

With that information, members voted for the cheapest option, to remove the playground completely and make the site safe.

They also resolved to consult local residents and children about any new proposals for the area.

Plans are also in hand for a "Stream and Steam" heritage trail in Barnoldswick that would pass through Clough Park and members agreed to look at the two projects together.