COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to hire security guards to patrol vandal-plagued Clitheroe Castle -- opting instead to work with youth workers to get 'to the root of the problem.'

Members of Ribble Valley Council's community committee were asked last night to consider a proposal from Coun John McGowan for the castle to be either locked up at night or a security guard employed to patrol the castle grounds. His proposals were drawn up after residents complained about the continual vandalism being inflicted on the Norman castle and its surrounding area.

Coun McGowan told the committee at the Town Hall that, thanks to the vandals, the castle was now just a shade of its former self.

He said: "I did my apprenticeship working in the grounds of the castle.

"Then it had a small animal centre, seven greenhouses, a rose garden, paddling pool, sand pits and two bowling greens. They are all gone.

"We need action to sort out this problem."

A report to the committee, which conceded that more than £10,000 of damage had been caused in the last 15 months, stated when the gates used to be locked at night, it simply served to keep the genuine users out and provide an enclave for the troublemakers.

It was also stated that it was felt a security guard would have little effect.

Ribble Valley police inspector Bob Ford, said: "We need to get to the root of the problem, tackling issues like drugs and drinking, which are common in the grounds."

Councillors voted to ask officers to work with youth workers in an attempt to find out what can be done.