THE rowdy behaviour of some teenagers using a mobile social centre in Ringwood means the vehicle needs a new place to park up.

Currently the WOTS (Word on the Street) bus stops in the Furlong car park so young people can spend time on its computers searching for jobs, playing games, emailing or just chatting and getting advice.

But the antics of some of the youngsters has led to police, who have prioritised ridding the town centre and surrounding area of drunkenness and antisocial behaviour, to ask for its relocation.

However town councillors have now rejected a scheme to park the bus at Carvers recreation ground because the only suitable position would be at the entrance gates, too close to householders who already complain about youngsters using the skate park at night.

WOTS spokesman Frances Bowen said: “We are looking at the Market Place, but I don’t think the town council wants us there. They are trying to keep young people out of the town centre.”

Inspector James Douglas said: “Police had previously supported moving the WOTS bus to another location after some concerns about antisocial behaviour in the Furlong.

“The town council have decided against it and local police will work closely with the council to support and uphold this service.”

Council clerk Terry Simpson said: “The whole idea of the WOTS bus is to go to the places where the kids congregate so they don’t get involved in antisocial behaviour.

“Unfortunately, from the town council point of view, Carvers is the only place that we own – if it wasn’t so close to housing – that would be suitable. It’s not an easy problem to solve.”