The hut, in the grounds of St John's Chapel, Belper, has allegedly been used by young people taking drugs and drinking.

After numerous complaints from nearby residents and councillors it was suggested the site should be fenced off by the town council.

But now Cllr Joyce Sanders has suggested that the authority applies for a grant of £10,000 from a special Derbyshire County Council community fund so it can bulldoze the hut.

Belper Police Inspector Graham Lamin told members of the town council at a meeting last week that the county councillor had told him she was applying for the grant and the idea had the backing of the police.

Cllr Sanders told the News she would receive notification by the end of the month if the application for the grant had been successful.

A resident of St John's Road, who did not wish to be named, said it was excellent news that the hut may be flattened.

He said: "It's fabulous news though it may well not entirely solve the problems. I don't think it will be a magic wand. I still think the land needs to be returned to community use."