A meeting was held in Bushey last night to discuss controversial plans for a new Community Shelter in the Moatfield recreational ground.

Residents have a long history of discontent with anti social behavior in the park and this was reflected in their concerns for the shelter.

Problems were discussed and included graffiti, noise late at night and crowds of youths in the park.

Sergeant David Simkin, of Hertsmere Police, said: "In ten years we have had 59 incidents in the Moatfield. My perception is that it is not a dangerous place, nor is it not a lawless place."

Four incidents have been logged on the Hertfordshire Police non-emergency number this year, including a bin which was set on fire and vandalism of the scout hut.

Several calls from residents had not been counted, as anything which occurs in the car park or surrounding streets is not classed as in the Moatfield on the police log.

The idea of the new shelter is to direct youths that may be in the park late at night away from the homes and car parks and into the green space where they can meet and socialise without disturbing the residents.

Francesca Turze, parks officer for Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "We're not trying to attract more people to the area. I want to walk around the Moatfield and not feel vulnerable.

"We cut down the shrub bed and the row of trees because the police asked us for a clear line of sight.

"We also wanted to make sure the shelter wasn't that comfortable, you couldn't sleep there, and if it's pouring with rain then people will get wet."

Conceptions of the shelter were wide and varied, some people thought it would be an area for people to hide away and conduct in illegal activity while others said they did not understand the need at all.

After detailed plans were displayed the general consensus was more positive. The drawings showed a largely transparent structure that was about ten feet tall.

Sgt Simkin said: "Without something to do a lot of our young people will cause problems, but we can't tar all young people with the idea that they are at the shelter causing trouble. It is a safe environment for young people to go to meet their friends.

"This is not the be all and end all of youth provision in Bushey, but tonight we have the funds, and we have the people who want to make a difference in the Moatfield."

Overall, the residents of the Moatfield area were happy with the design of the new shelter once it had been unveiled.

Kevin Twyford, of Melbourne Road, said: "There's been a lot of negative sentiment in the room tonight but I'm happy. The design team should be complimented."

Gordon Ashby, of Moatfield Road, said: "As far as I can see it's going to be a good idea, I'm happy for the council go ahead with it."

The shelter is phase one of a proposed three-stage upgrade to the recreational area. The second phase involves building a more challenging play area for older children, including boulders and tunnels.

The third phase would see a fitness trail built around the edge of the park, possibly similar to the outdoor gym in King George V recreation gound.

Residents were assured this would be in keeping with the site's heritage.

Keith Bunyan, of Herkomer Road, said: "This place is a historical site, it must have the notices around for the children to read and learn about it."

Bushey residents were urged to utilise the new non-emergency police telephone number, 0845 33 00 222.

Sgt Simkin said: "The residents of Bushey are very keen to contribute to policing in their area and we are only as good as the information we are given. We will be where the residents say they need us, but you must call."