A BIRD-WATCHERS' hut in Lechlade has had to be demolished after more than 25 years because of vandalism.

Youths have been gathering in the timber hut on the Edward Richardson Nature Reserve near Perrinsfield, for the past year.

Nature-lovers who use the hut to watch wildfowl have found it littered with bottles and rubbish.

Recently the youngsters smashed the door down and tore a plank of wood from the side of the building.

Peter Sonley, who helps manage the 26-acre site, said: "It's a great shame because it was well-used by local bird watchers and by people from further afield."

He hit out at the vandals, saying: "They show a degree of brainlessness and the absence of any creative activity, which is sad to see in young people."

Mr Sonley is now backing calls for a youth shelter in the town to give youngsters somewhere of their own to hang out. He believes it could stop further vandal attacks.

Councillors Arthur Chase and Robert Long, of Lechlade town council, are currently looking into the viability of erecting a £12,000 shelter on the play area near the town's skatepark.

Coun Chase said: "Youngsters always want somewhere to hang out and we should give them somewhere to do it."

The pair are currently gauging support for their plans.

Comments can be passed to Coun Chase on 01367 252344.

Volunteers who run the reserve, which is owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, are now considering putting up screens to allow ornithologists to watch the birdlife.