A BENCH which was erected in memory of a community leader who died prematurely has been used for drug taking, it has emerged.

The wooden seat attracts noisy youngsters who indulge in anti-social behaviour right outside Blandford Hospital.

Things have got so bad that nurses on night duty have had to call the police and the bench is to be moved in a bid to stop the disturbances.

Retired GP Dr Ian Wilson - now a spokesperson for The Friends of Blandford Hospital - said the trouble happened at the seat which is on part of the recreation ground given to the hospital by the council.

"It's a very nice garden seat fixed into a concrete base," he said.

"The problem is it's attractive to the wrong sort of young people at night.

"They do drugs and make a noise - it's very close to the hospital.

"Hospital staff have had to ring the police - it's just rotten behaviour. It's a great pity it hasn't actually been used as we expected it to be.

"It's in memory of John Woodhouse who was head brewer at the brewery.

"He was chair of the League of Friends. He died a young man.

"The police have asked us to move it into the Millennium Garden."

Crime reduction officer Pc Mark Harper said: "The bench is there for the patients and hospital rather than any Tom, Dick or Harry and drug users."

Will Smith of the NHS Dorset and Somerset security management service said he was writing a report to suggest ways to tackle the anti-social behaviour which had caused disruption to staff members and patients.

"Staff are quite frightened by drinking and drugs," he said.

Mr Smith said there would be a reduction in anti-social behaviour following implementation of certain measures which would remain confidential.

First published: September 8, 2005