A disused Stoke-on-Trent bowls pavilion has been demolished due to ongoing concerns over anti-social behaviour.

In recent months the structure off Anchor Road in Meir Hay has seen roof tiles being ripped off, walls smashed and fires started.

Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council have ordered the facility, which overlooks the bowling green, to be flattened to prevent further issues.

Demolition started earlier this month (9th December) and now has been completed.

The building has been surplus to requirements for some time. Following a full assessment of the building it was determined that the building is no longer safe and 'beyond repair' as a result of vandalism.

Heathcote Street resident Joyce Parker said: "It has been like that for some time now.

"They needed to do something to stop what was going on there. It wasn't that long ago it was set on fire."

Walking along Anchor Road on his way to work, James Michaels commented: "The pavilion has been in a sorry state for a couple of years now and it's like no one seemed to care.

"I understand why it needed to be done. It's just a shame really and shows why we can't have nice things here."

Support will remain in place for any rough sleepers who might have been using the pavilion for shelter and Staffordshire Police are continuing to monitor the area.

Cllr Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Community safety is our priority. This decision follows repeated incidents that have left the Pavilion unsafe and beyond repair.

"Demolishing the structure will help prevent further anti-social behaviour and allow us to move forward with plans to improve the local environment."