A £7,000 youth shelter on Abingdon's Peachcroft estate has been covered with graffiti just days after being installed.

Supporters of the north Abingdon scheme had hoped the Appleford Drive shelter would be used as a meeting place for young people, to help reduce antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

But the vandalism confirmed the fears of some residents, who believed the structure would add to the problem.

The metal octagonal structure was paid for by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership - involving the police and the Vale of White Horse district and Oxfordshire County councils.

District councillor Laurel Symons said: "I was disappointed to see the graffiti but there is nothing offensive. I picked up empty beer cans myself and put them in the waste bin. I am pleased to see that the shelter is being used and I told a group of young people not to abuse it or they would lose it."

But Mrs Symons said there had been complaints about noise.

She said: "It appears drink may be at the root of the problem. Parents should be taking more responsibility."

Eight residents have been given "incident diaries" in which to log the behaviour of young people in and around the shelter. If a pattern of bad behaviour is detected then the shelter will be removed.

Tracy Watkins, who lives nearby, said: "The problem is not with the youths having nowhere to go, but that they have access to alcohol and drugs."

Karen Brown, a community safety officer with the partnership, said: "If we find that the shelter is used for drinking and trouble arises in the neighbourhood then we might consider seeking an alcohol ban in the area."