A SKATE park in Darwen could be closed over complaints about yobbish behaviour.

The site in Olive Lane and the playground nearby could be under threat if youths continue to ‘cause havoc’, a councillor has said.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has decided to remove a metal shelter where youths congregate to drink alcohol in an initial attempt to stop the problem.

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Last week a 14-year-old boy suffered a fractured skull and a broken arm after being attacked with a hockey stick at the park.

His 15-year-old friend also suffered a bruised mouth and damaged teeth in the attack.

Cllr Jane Oates, who represents the Sudell ward on the council, said the level of violence and trouble cannot continue.

She said: “Closing the park would be a last resort.

“It would be expensive and a big job but we may be forced to do it if this behaviour continues.

“We are going to be monitoring how things go over the next few months and hopefully removing this shelter will make a difference.

“It’s okay if youngsters are just hanging out there but they always find a way to push that line. They damage stuff and cause havoc.

“We cannot afford for equipment to keep being damaged and we certainly can’t have serious incidents like the assault going on.”

Officers said a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assault and have been bailed until Friday, March 10.

Cllr Roy Davies said he thought putting CCTV cameras high up in the park would help to deter teenagers away from causing trouble.

Cllr Oates said: “We are not going to put cameras up because we have already tried that and it just got wrecked straightaway.

“They are a complete waste of time.

“This metal shelter is really where the trouble starts so that’s going to be our first move.

“It has always been a problem area but this is the worst I have seen it.”

The playground has suffered vandalism and recently the park was left with one swing after the council took most of them away because of damage.

The surfacing underneath has been torn up previously.