A NEWLY-opened playground is becoming a ‘hot spot’ for anti-social behaviour, according to residents.

Since opening under the Play Pathfinders scheme in March, the Anchor Avenue site has attracted groups during evenings and weekends.

Now police are investigating reports of criminal damage, litter, and people drinking there. They also believe drug dealing has taken place.

Officers are working with Blackburn with Darwen Council to curb the behaviour on the site which cost £45,000 and features a jungle swing, twisters, roll ‘n’ rope, log walks, tram tracks and multi-climbing net.

Earcroft councillor and executive member for culture and leisure at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Trevor Maxfield, said: “The problems are relatively new, but residents have spoken to me about concerns.

“Work is underway to sort this out. I’ve managed to authorise bollards to be put up to stop vehicles entering the park, and youth workers are going down to speak to the kids.

“People are telling me there’s some over 23s going down there and drinking and smoking when the park isn’t for that.

"It’s for little children to enjoy.”

Community Beat Manager PC Vanessa Lomax said: “We are aware of underage drinking causing a nuisance and a nearby fence was damaged the other day.

“We carry out regular highly visible patrols in the area and we have been actively seizing alcohol from underage drinkers.

"We recently seized a quad bike from a child who had been riding it on the park.”

Anyone with concerns can contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 01254 51212.