YOUNG people in Oswaldtwistle could be given a free hand in decorating their new youth shelter in a bid to combat graffiti.

The novel plans are set to be put forward at a meeting of the town's youth and community centre tonight .

Several agencies have been involved in getting the shelter installed near the football fields on Harvey Lane, including the county council's youth service, the police, councillors, members of the community and young people.

If the project goes ahead the youth centre, also on Harvey Street, aims to run a competition for designs for the multi-panel shelter, which measures 18 ft by eight feet and has a seat around it.

The £5,500 facility was installed to combat youth nuisance and provide a meeting place for youngsters in the area, with funds from the area council and the LEA.

Pupils from Rhyddings High School, Haworth Street, Oswaldtwistle, formed a committee and raised £800 towards it.

Coun Brian Walmsley, member for Oswaldtwistle, said: "Over the last few years teenagers have been saying there is nowhere for them to go.

"They have congregated in the park, which has caused a lot of trouble. Now it's up to the youngsters themselves to make the most of this facility."

Gillian Landers, youth centre manager, said: "What we want to do with the help of the young people is make the shelter more user friendly so it looks inviting and pleasing to the eye, instead of graffiti.

"We want to inform young people it's there and it's for them. The project will be monitored and controlled because we want it to work.The site was chosen because it was safe and wouldn't disturb other people, she said.

More than 40 youngsters meet at the youth centre from Monday to Thursday.