THREE buildings used by youngsters as drinking dens and for other anti-social behaviour have been demolished.

Up to 40 youths were reported to regularly gather at the brick buildings in Towneley Park, Burnley at the weekends, drinking, causing a nuisance and setting fires.

The buildings, which were former changing blocks, were knocked down yesterday in the hope that fewer yobs will be attracted to the park.

The work was carried out by Lancashire County Council property group as the council owns the buildings, following a request from the police and fire service.

A public inquiry is to be held in the summer to discuss county council plans to buy nearby land on the playing fields to build new premises for Unity College.

Janet Newton, project director for the county council's £250 million Building Schools for the Future project, said: "We are demolishing these buildings in response to a request from the police and fire service.

"The demolition is nothing to do with the school building programme."

A similar scheme earlier this year to close up a drinking den at Bank Hall Park has been hailed as a success.

PC John Fisher, of Burnley Police, said: "A whole host of activity is being taken to address anti-social behaviour in and around Towneley Park.

I would urge parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are up to."