THE historic still tower in the meadow at the bottom of the vicarage of St Eustachius Church, is being used by youngsters as a site for alcohol and drug use, police have warned.

Tavistock police investigating vandalism at the site say from evidence found there they believe young people have used the tower — once part of Tavistock Abbey — as a place to go to drink alcohol and use illicit drugs.

The Preb John Rawlings expressed concern at the use of the tower for irresponsible activities by Tavistock youngsters.

He said: 'The tower is part of the old Abbey, it is a significant reminder of the Abbey and is a listed monument.

'We are worried and concerned because we don't want to give room to people who are doing harm to themselves.'

Mrs Jeanette Rawlings said: 'It is a great pity because this could be a lovely paddock.

'What they did just looks so awful.'

The youths damaged the ancient tower look-out, knocked down the fireplace and put wooden boards against the window.

Grass was trampled, debris scattered and there was evidence of some hammering and chipping away at the inside walls of the tower.

The vandals also attempted to break a door at the back of the grounds to gain access to the tower.

The still tower overlooks the river and adjoins the gardens of the Bedford Hotel, at what was the original Tavistock Abbey wall.

The still tower would have been used by medieval monks at the Abbey to prepare mead and medicine.

The tower is the property of English Heritage, but is watched over by the Rawlings. The parish church is happy to arrange for visitors to come and see the historic structure, but it is not in a fit state for anyone to look inside.

The damage is thought to have occurred in the middle of last week. Youths are believed to be responsible, as the tower has been used by groups of teenagers previously.

Police believe the secluded location of the tower meant a small group of youngsters viewed it as a suitable hideout when truanting and for under-age drinking or drug use.

'From the evidence I have seen, young people are using it (the still tower) to drink alcohol and use illicit drugs,' said PC Steve Bradfield.

Much of the vandalism done was probably to make the tower more comfortable as a den for youngsters, and had not caused great financial damage, he said.

Community constable PC Larry Base said police were concerned youngsters were using the tower to truant from school, drink under age or use drugs.

They also feared young people might hurt themselves as there was a risk from falling masonry in such an old building.

PC Base said police were continuing to monitor the situation.

People walking along the river walk underneath the tower have also reported objects, including drink bottles being dropped from the tower into their path.

Anyone with any information relating to the vandalism can contact Tavistock police on 08705 777444.