A COMMUNITY has been hit by vandals who have destroyed a bus shelter.

The shelter, in Cockerton, Darlington, has been so badly damaged it is dangerous and needs to be removed.

There have been suggestions it should not be replaced - but five councillors have banded together to lobby the borough council for a new shelter

The shelter, in Nickstream Lane, is a popular stop and is used by many pensioners.

Councillor Don Bristow, who represents Cockerton East, said: "The anti-social behaviour of a few youths should not lead to the withdrawal of a key public service and community facility.

"The councillors for the two wards affected will be looking to consult with local residents to ask for their co-operation in combating the vandalism.

"Simply to remove the shelter would further antagonise the community, which is already unhappy with the response time of law enforcement to incidents of vandalism."

Inspector Chris Reeves, of Darlington Police, said just because a community facility had been vandalised, it did not mean it should be removed permanently.

He said: "We need to target the youths who are causing the vandalism, and we also need to look at the design of the new shelter so we can minimise any future damage."

Councillors Bristow, Bryan Thistlethwaite, Paul Baldwin, Cliff Hutchinson and Eric Wilson are planning to write to residents in the area to ask for their support.

"It's the only shelter in the whole area and it is well used by people in Cockerton and Branksome on their way to work and the shops," said Coun Bristow.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "We are currently looking at options for a replacement shelter.

"If it was to be replaced, we would look at replacing it with a more robust design and open aspect with the view to deterring youths from congregating there.

"We would also look into the possibilities of adding lighting and closed circuit TV cameras."