A teenagers' shelter in a crime-plagued park has been approved despite concerns it could become a den for drug dealers.

Worthing Borough Council plans to spend £2,500 on the shelter, near the basketball court in Homefield Park.

But councillors acknowledged it was a sensitive issue after a series of incidents in the park, including muggings, sex attacks, drug offences and arson.

People living near the park have also complained about noise and disturbance from the £100,000 skate park, which is now surrounded by security fencing.

Leisure spokesman John Thorpe said: "All the partners involved recognise it is a potentially controversial issue. It is one which has raised some public concern but is something we need to move forward with and try to do something about."

Councillor Maurice Tucker, chairman of the leisure and cultural services committee, said: "We do need to look at ways of providing facilities."

Council parks manager Chris Bradley said the shelter would be opened on a trial basis and could be followed by similar facilities in other areas of the town where teenagers congregated.

He said: "Provision of such facilities is welcomed by teenagers and is a relatively cheap project for what is a potentially complicated social situation.

"When young people congregate on street corners or outside shops their actions often raise the fear of crime.

"The installation of a youth shelter can play a positive role in working with young people and dealing with disaffection.

"It allows a safe designated space for young people to socialise and develop and can reduce confrontations and complaints between generations.

"It can also reduce the risk of minor damage to areas that are unsuitable as meeting places and can reduce antisocial behaviour.

"Research has demonstrated the benefits of providing youth facilities for this age group and youth shelters should be located with sports facilities or equipment."

The scheme will be funded by cash from the Safer Communities Initiative while the use of the shelter will be monitored by a youth worker.

There are also proposals to install pathway lighting in the park to deter criminals and vagrants.